IB  PI  H  @     SI 

BBS  B9  W  HbEmrS    [£a 

■■  v    WhMt  I  HE 

■U  Nl 

ySfe        ■ 


*  ■  * 

■  V 


BS 


■ 
■ 

■  1 1 1 


& 


RBI   w 


Y 


•        ♦ 


*■ 


«     * 


< 


•  ♦ 


A  * 


»• 


1   V 


r 


A 


/» 


/ 


^/s^z^.  t!s  y^^a^^ 


/. 


CONSTITUTION 


,  / 


'*//         ...  /I      '•  ^^ 


/ 


/ 


PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


IK       TBI 


UNITED    STATES    of   AMERICA, 


V^*«4*>5^^V^*W^\J<4*^jr 


THE 

CONSTITUTION 

OF       THE 

Presbyterian  Church 

in     THE 

UNITED  STATES  of  AMERICA 

CONTAINING 

THE 

CONFESS  ION  of  FAITH, 

THE 

CATECHISMS, 

THE 

GOVERNMENT    and    DISCIPLINE, 

AND        THE  -^ 

DIRECTORY  for  the  WORSHIP  of  GOD, 

Ratified  and  adopted  by  the  Synod  of  New- York 
and  Philadelphia,  held  at  Philadelphia 
May  the  16th  1788,  and  continued  by  adjourn- 
ments until  the  28th  of  the  fame  Month, 


PHILADELPHIA: 
Printed  by  THOMAS   BRADFORD, 

In  Front-Jlrett,  fourth  Door  below  Marfoi-Jlreet, 

M  DCC  LXXXIX, 


CONTENTS. 


CONFESSION    of    FAITH. 


Chap.  P/ge. 

1 .  f\  F  the  Holy  Scripture.  I 

2.  V>J   Of  God  and  of  the  Holy  Trinity.  5 

3.  Of  God's  Eternal  Decree.  6 

4.  Creation.  8 

5.  Providence.  9 

6.  the  fall  of  Many  of  Sin,  and  of  the  punijh- 

ment  thereof.  1 1 

7 .  God's  Covenant  zvith  Man*  1 2 

8.  Chrift  the  Mediator.  13 

9.  Free  IVill.       #  16 

10.  Effecluat  Calling,  16 

1 1 .  y unification.  1 8 

12.  Adoption.  1 9 

13.  SancJ  if  cation.  20 

14.  Saving  Faith.  20 

15.  Repentance  unto  Life,  21 

16.  GW  Works*  22 

17.  /£*>  P erf  ever ance  of  the  Saints.  24 

18.  A  (fur  ance  of  Grace  and  Salvation.  25 

19.  /&  .Lzzf  0^  G^/.  27 

20.  Chriflian  Liberty,    and  Liberty  ef  Con* 

fcience.  29 

21.  Religious  Worjbip,  and  the  Sabbath -Day.   30 

22.  lawful  Oaths  and  Vows.  33 

23.  '  fA*  Civil  Magijlrate.  34 

24.  Marriage  and  Divorce.  36 
2^.       /A*  Church.  38 

26.  Communion  of  Saint s%  39 

27.  /A*  Sacraments.  40 

28.  Baptifm.  4r 

29.  0/ 


THE 

CONSTITUTION 

O  F    T  H  E 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH,    &c. 


THE 

CONFESS  10  N  of  FAITH 


C  H  A  P.    I. 

Of  the  Holy  fcripture. 

ALTHOUGH  the  light  of  nature,  and  the 
works  of  crtation  and  providence,  do  fo  far 
manifeft  the  goodnefs,  wifdom  and  power  of 
God,  as  leave  men  inexcufable;  yet  they  are  not 
fu fficient  to  give  that  knowledge  of  God,  and  of 
his  will,  which  is  neceilary  unto  falvation  ;  there- 
fore it  pleafed  the  Lord,  at  fundry  times,  and  in 
divers  manners,  to  reveal  himfeli,  and  to  declare 
that  his  will  unto  his  Church;  and  afterwrards, 
for  the  better  preferving  and  propagating  of  the 
truth,  and  for  the  more  fure  eftabliihment  and 
comfort  of  the  Church  againft  the  corruption  of 
the  fieih,  and  the  malice  of  Satan  and  of  the 
world,  to  commit  the  fame  wholly  unto  writing : 
which  maketh  the  holy  Scripture  to  be  moft 
neceffary ;  thofe  former  ways  of  God's  revealing 
his  w  ill  unto  his  people  being  now  ccafed, 

A  II.  Un- 


J  hi  Conffjfion  of  Faith, 


Chap.  I. 


II.  Under  the  name  of  Holy  Scripture,  or 
the  Word  of  God  written,  are  now  contained  all 
the  Books  of  the  Old  and  New  Teftament,  which 
are  thefe  : 

Of  the  Old  Testament. 


Gcnefis. 

Exodus. 

Leviticus. 

Numbers. 

Deuteronomy. 

Jofhua. 

Judges. 

Ruth. 

I.  Samuel. 

II.  Samuel. 

I.  Kings. 

II.  Kin^s. 

I.  Chronicles. 


II.  Chronicles. 

Ezra. 

Nehemiah. 

Either. 

Job. 

Pfalms. 

Proverbs. 

Eccleiiaftes. 

The  Song   of  Songs. 

Ifaiah. 

Jeremiah. 

Lamentations. 

Ezekiel. 


Daniel. 

HoRa. 

Joel. 

Amos. 

Obadiah. 

Jonah. 

Micah. 

Nahum. 

rlabakkuk. 

Zephaniah. 

Ha^rcrai. 

Zechariah. 

Malachi. 


Of  the  New  Testament. 


The  Gofpels  ac 
ccord  ing  to 

Matthew. 

Mark. 

Luke. 

John. 

The  A£ts  of  the 
Apoftles. 

Paul's  EpiiTes  to 
the  Romans. 

Coriiithians  I. 

Corinthians  II. 

Galatians. 


Ephefians. 
i^hilippians. 
Coloihans. 
rheifalonians   I. 
ThefTalonians  II. 
To  Timothy  I. 
To  Timothy  II. 
To  Titus. 
To  Philemon. 
TheEpifHctothc 

Hebrews. 
The    Epiitle    of 

James. 


and 


The  firft 
fecond  Epif- 
tlesof  Peter. 

The  fir  ft,  fe- 
cond and 
third  Epif- 
tle  of  John. 

The  Epiitle  of 
Jude. 

Tic    Revela- 


tion. 


All 


Chap.  I.  The  CtmfeJJfsn  of  Faith. 


*> 


All  which  are  given  by  infpiratiori  of  God,  to 
be  the  rule  of  faith  and  life. 

III.  The  Books  commonly  called  Apocrypha' 
not  being  of  divine  infpiration,  are  no  part  ot  the 
canon  of  the  fcripture  ;  and  therefore  are  of  no 
authority  in  the  Church  of  God,  nor  to  be  any 
otherwise  approved,  or  made  ufe  of,  than  other 
human  writings. 

IV.  The  authority  of  the  holy  fcripture,  for 
which  it  ought  to  be  believed  and  obeyed,  depend- 
eth  not  upon  the  teitimony  of  any  man  cr  church, 
but  wholly  upon  God,  (who  is  truth  itfelf,)  the 
author  thereot ;  and  therefore  it  is  to  be  received, 
becaufe  it  is  the  word  of  God. 

V.  We  may  be  moved  and  induced  by  the  tef- 
timony  of  the  church  to  an  high  and  reverend  ef- 
teem  of  the  holy  fcripture,  and  the  heavenlinefs 
of  the  matter,  the  efficacy  of  the  doclrine,  the 
maiefty  of  the  ftyle,  the  confent  of  all  the  parts, 
the  fcope  of  the  whole,  (which  is  to  give  all  glory 
to  God,)  the  full   difcovery  it  makes  of  the  only 

ay  of  man's  falvation,  the  many  other  incompa- 
rable excellencies,  and  the  entire  perfection  there- 
of, are  arguments  whereby  it  doth  abundantly  evi- 
dence itfelf to  be  the  w^ord  of  God;  yet  notwith- 
standing our  full  perfuafion  and  ailurance  of  the  in- 
fallible truth,  and  divine  authority  thereof,  is  from 
the  inward  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  bearing  wit- 
nefs  by  and  with  the  word  in  our  hearts. 

VI.  The  whole  council  of  God,  concerning 
all  things  neceflary  for  his  own  glory,  man's  falva- 
tion, faith  and  life,  is  either  exprefsly  fet  down  in 
fcripture,  or  by  good  and  neceflary  confequehCe 
may  be  deduced  from  fcripture  :  unto  which  no- 
thing at  any  time  is  to  be  added,  whether  by  new 
revelations  of   the    Spirit  or    traditions  of   men. 

Nevertheleis 


4.  Tlie  Confeffion  of  Faith,  Chap.  L 

Nevcrthelefs,  we  acknowledge  the  inward  illumi- 
nation of  the  fpirit  of  God  to  be  neceflary  for  the 
faving  underftandingof  fuch  things  as  are  revealed 
in  the  word;  and  there  are  fome  circumftances 
concerning  the  worfhip  of  God,  and  government 
of  the  Church,  common  to  human  aftions  and 
focieties,  which  are  to  be  ordered  by  the  light  of 
nature  and  Chriftian  prudence,  according  to  the 
general  rules  of  the  word,  which  are  always  to  be 
obferved. 

VII.  All  things  in  fcriptureare  not  alike  plain 
in  themfelves,  nor  alike  clear  unto  all;  yet  thofe 
things  which  are  neceflary  to  be  known,  believed, 
and  obferved,  for  falvation,  are  fo  clearly  propound- 
ed and  opened  in  fome  place  of  fcripture  or  other, 
that  not  only  the  learned,  but  the  unlearned,  in  a 
due  ufe  of  the  ordinary  means,  may  attain  unto  a> 
fufficient  under  (landing  of  them. 

VIII.  The.  Old  Teflameni  in  Hebrew,  (which 
wa£  the  native  language  of  the  people  of  God  of 
old,]  and  the  New  I  eitamentin  Greek,  (which  at- 
i lie  time  of  the  writing  of  it  was  mofl  generally 
known  to  the  nations,)  being  immediately  infpired 

God,  and  by  hi s  fingulai  care  and  providence 

kept  pure  in  all  ages,  are  therefore  authentical ;   fa 

as  in  all  coatroverlles  of  religion  the  Church  is 

finally  to  appea,(  unto  them.      But  becaufe  thefe 

original:  tongo.es  are  not  known  to  all  the  people 

tod  W&0  right  unto  and  interefl  in  th<* 

ve&p   aiioj  are    commanded-,  in  the   fear   of 

G         o  re^dand  fearch  them,  therefore  they  are 

; ■  trar  rko  the  vulgar  language  of  every 

nation  unto  which  they  come,  that  the  word  of  God 

dwelling  olentifull  in  all,  they  may  worfhip  himia 

an  acceptable  manner,  and,  through   patience  and 

comfort  of  the  icrip  tuxes,    may  have  hope. 

IXJThc 


Chap*  II.  The  Confeffion  of  Faith.  $ 

IX.  The  infallible  rule  of  interpretation  of 
fcripture  is  the  fcripture  itfelf;  and,  therefore, 
when  there  is  a  queftion  about  the  true  and  full 
fenfe  of  any  fcripture,  (which  is  not  manifold,  but 
one,)  it  may  be  fearched  and  known  by  other  places 
that  fpeak  more  clearly. 

X.  The  fupreme  Judge,  by  whom  all  controverfies 
of  religion  are  to  be  determined,  and  ail  decrees  of 
councils,  opinions  of  ancient  writers,  doctrines  of 
men,  and  private  fpirits,  are  to  be  examined,  and  in 
whole  ientence  we  are  to  reft,  can  be  no  other  but 
the  Holy  Spirit  fpeaking  in  the  fcripture. 

CHAP.    Hi 

.    Of  God,  and  of  the  Holy  Trinity. 

THERE  is  but  one  only  living  and  true  God, 
who  is  infinite  in  being  and  perfection,  a 
moft  pure  fpirit,  invifible,  witnout  body,  parts,  or 
pailions,  immutable,  immenfe,  eternal,  incom- 
preheniible,  almighty,  moft  wife,  mod  holy,  moil 
free,  moft  abfolute,  working  ail  things  according 
to  the  counfel  of  his  own  immutable  and  moft 
righteous  will,  for  his  own  glory ;  moft  loving,  gra- 
cious, merciful,  long-fuffering,.  abundant  in  good- 
nefs  and  truth,  forgiving  iniquity,  tranfgreflion  and 
fin  ;  the  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  feek  them ; 
and  withal  moft  juft  and  terrible  in  his  judgments 
hating  all  fin,  and  who  will  by  no  means  clear 
the  guilty. 

II.  God  hath  all  life,  glory,  goodnefs,  blened- 
nefs,  in  and  of  himfelf ;  and  is  alone  in  and  unto 
himfelf  all-fufricient,  not  (landing  in  need  of  any 
creatures  which  he  hath  made  nor  deriving  any 
glory  from;  them,  but  only  manifeiting  his  imvjt 

gler 


The  ConfefpoH  of  Faith.  Chap.  II 

:ry,  in,  by,  unto,  and  upon  them:    he    is    the 
s  one  fountain   of   all  being,  of    whom,  through 
whom,  and  to  whom,   are  all  things;  and  hath 
r   >lt  fovereign    dominion  over    them,  to  do    by 
them,  for  them,  and  upon  them,  whatfoever  him- 
felf  pieafeth.      In   his  light    all  things    are  open 
id  manifeft;  hisknowledge  is  infinite,  infallible, 
ependent  upon  the  creature,  fo  as  nothing 
i    to  him,  contingent  or  uncertain.     He  is  molt 
h  >1)    iii  all  his  counfels,  in  his  works,  and  in  all 
bis  commands.     To  him  is  due  from  angels  and 
men,  and  every  other  creature,  whatfoever  wor- 
fliip,  fervlce   or   Gbedience,  he  is  pleafed  to  re- 
ire  of  them. 

III.  In  unity  of  the  Godhead  there  be  three 
per  fens  of  one  fubftance,  power,  and  eternity ; 
God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy 
Ghoft.  The  Father  is  of  none,  neither  begot- 
ten nor  proceeding ;  the  Son  is  eternally  begotten 
of  the  Father ;  the  Holy  Ghoft  eternally  proceed- 
ing prom  the  Father  and  the  Son. 

CHAP.     III. 

Of  God's  Eternal  Decree. 

GOD  from  all  eternity  did  by  the  mod  wife 
and  holy  courifel  of  his  own  will,  freely 
and  unchangeably  ordain  whatfoever  comes  to 
pkfs  :  yet  (o  as  thereby  neither  is  God  the  author 
or  (in,  nor  is  violence  offered  to  the  will  of  the 
reatures,  nor  is  the  liberty  or  contingency  of  fe- 
c  ondcaufes  taken  away,  but  rather  eftabliflied. 

II.     Although  God  knows  whatfoever  may  or 
cp.n  come  to  pafs  upon  all  fuppofed  conditions ; 

A  5  yet 


Chap.   HI.         Tke  Confefficn  of  Faith.  7 

yet  hath  he  not  decreed  any  thing  becaufe  he  fore- 
law  it  as  future,  or  as  that  which  would  come  to 
pafs  upon  fuch  conditions. 

III.  By  the  decree  of  God,  for  the  manifeftation 
of  his  glory,  fome  men  and  angels  are  predefti- 
nated  unto  everlafting  life,  and  others  iore-or- 
dained  to  everlafting  death. 

IV.  Thefe  angels  and  men,  thus  predeftinated 
and  fore-ordained,  are  particularly  and  unchangea- 
bly defigned  ;  and  their  number  is  fo  certain  and 
definite,  that  it  cannot  be  either  increafed  or  di- 
miniihed. 

V.  Thofe  of  mankind  that  are  predeftinated 
unto  life,  God,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world 
was  laid,  according  to  his  eternal  and  immutable 
purpofe,  and  the  iecret  counfcl  and  good  pleafure 
of  his  will,  hath  cho-fen  in  Chrift,  unto  everlafting 
glory,  out  ot  his  mere  free  grace  and  love,  without 
any  fbrefight  of  faith  or  good  works,  or  perfeve- 
rance  in  either  of  them,  or  any  other  thing  in  the 
creature,  as  conditions,  or  caufes  moving  him 
thereunto;  and  all  to  the  praife  of  his-  glorious 
grace. 

VI.  As  God  hath  appointed  the  elect  unto 
glory,  fo  hath  he,  by  the  eternal  and  moft  free 
purpofe  ot  his  will,  fore-ordained  all  the  means 
thereunto.  Wherefore  they  who  are  elected  be- 
ing fallen  in  Adam,  are  redeemed  by  Chrift,  are 
effectually  called  unto  faith  in  Chrift  by  his  Spi- 
rit working  in  duefeafon;  are  juftified,  adopted, 
fanctified,  and  kept  by  his  power  through  faith  unto 
falvation.  Neither  are  any  other  redeemed  by 
Chrift,  effectually  called,  juftified,  adopted,  fane- 
tified,  and  faved,  but  the  elect  only. 

VII.  The  reft  of  mankind,  God  was  pleafed, 
according  to  the  unfearchable  counfel  of  his  own 

witt, 


5  the  Confiffion  of  Faith,        Chap.  I V. 

will,  whereby  he  extendeth  or  with-holdeth  mer- 
cy as  he  pleafeth,  for  the  glory  of  his  fovereign 
power  ovei  his  creatures,  to  pafs  by,  and  to  ordain 
them  to  diihonour  and  wrath  for  their  fin,  to  the 
praife  of  his  glorious  jull^e. 

VIII.  The  do&rine  of  this  high  myftery  of 
predeilination  is  to  be  handled  with  fp^cial  pru- 
dence and  care,  that  men  attending  the  will  of 
God  revealed  in  his  word,  and  yielding  obedience 
thereunto,  may,  from  the  certainty  of  their  effec- 
tual  vocation,  be  allured  of  their  eternal  election. 
So  ihall  this  doctrine  afford  matter  of  praife,  re- 
verence and  admiration  of  God  ;  and  of  humility,, 
diligence  and  abundant  confolation,  to  all  that 
fincerly  obey  the  gofpel.. 

CHAP.    IV. 

Of  Creation, 

IT  pleafed  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghoft,  for  the  manifeitation  of  the  glory  of 
his  eternal  power,  wifdom,  and  goodnefs,  in  the 
beginning,  to  create,  or  make  of  nothing,  the 
world,  and  all  things  therein,  whether  viiible  or 
invifible,  in  the  fpace  of  fix.  days  and  all  very 
good. 

II.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures, 
he  created  man,  male  and  female,  with  reasona- 
ble and  immortal  fouls,  endued  with  knowledge, 
righteouinefs,  and  true  holinefs,  after  his  own 
image,  having  the  law  of  God  written  in  their 
hearts,  and  power  to  fulfil  it;  and  yet  under  a 
polTibility  of  tranfgrefnng,  being  left  to  the  liberty 
of  their  own  will,  which  was  fubject  unto  change. 
Befides  this  law  written  in  their  hearts,  they  re- 


'hap.  V.  The  Confejjion  of  Faith*  9 

:eived  a  command  not  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  know- 
edge  of  good  and  evil ;  which  while  they  kept 
hey  were  happy  in  their  communion  withGod, 
md  had  dominion  over  the  creatures. 

CHAP    % 

Of  Providence. 

GO  F>,  the  great  Creator  of  all  things,  doth 
uphold,  direct,  difpofe,  and  govern  all  crea- 
tures, actions  and  things,  from  the  greatelr  even 
to  the  lead,  by  his  mod  wife  and  holy  providence, 
according  to  his  infallible  foreknowledge,  and  the 
free  and  immutable  counfel,  of  his  own  will,  to 
the  praife  of  the  glory  of  his  wifdom,  power,  juf- 
tice,  goodnefs,  and  mercy. 

II.  Although,  in  relation  to  the  foreknowledge, 
and  decree  of  God,  the  firft  caufe,  all  things  come 
to  pals  immutably  and  inta-llibly ;  yet,  by  the 
fame  providence,  he  ordereth  them  to  fall  out  ac- 
cording to  the  nature  of  fecond  caufes,  either  ne- 
ceiTarily,  freely  or  contingently. 

III.  God  in  his  ordinary  providence  maketh 
ufe  of  means,  yet  is  tree  to  work  without,  above 
and  againft  them,  at  his  pleafure. 

IV.  The  Almighty  Power,  unfearchable  wif- 
dom, and  infinite  goodnefs  of  God,  fo  far  mani- 
feft  themfelves  in  his  providence,  that  it  extend- 
eth  itfelf  even  to  the  firft  fall,  and  all  other  fins 
of  angels  and  men,  and  that  not  by  a  bare  per- 
million,  but  fuch  as  hath  joined  with  it  a  m  v\ 
wife  and  powerful  bounding^  and  otherwife  order- 
ing and  governing  of  them,  in  a  manifold  difpen- 
fation,  to  his  own  holy  ends  ;  yet  fo,  as  the  finful- 
nefs  thereof  proceedeth  only  from   the  creature, 

and 


10  The  Cmfeffion  af  Faith.  Chap.   \ 

2nd  not  from  God ;  who  being  mod  holy  and 
righteous,  neither  is  nor  can  be  the  author  or  ap- 
prover of  fm. 

V.  The  mod  wife,  righteous,  and  gracious 
Cod  doth  oftentimes  leave  for  a  feafon  his  own 
children  to  manifold  temptations,  and  the  corrup- 
tion of  their  own  hearts,  to  chaltife  them  lor  their 
former  fins,  or  to  difcover  unto  them  the  hidden 
ftrength  of  corruption  and  deceitfulnefs  ot  their 
hearts,  that  they  may  be  humbled  ;  and  to  raife 
them  to  a  more  clofe  and  conitant  dependance  for 
their  fupport  upon  himfelf,  and  to  make  them 
more  watchful  againfl:  all  future  occafions  of  fin, 
and  for  fundry  other  juft  and  holy  ends. 

VI.  As  for  thofe  wicked  and  ungodly  men, 
whom  God  as  a  righteous  judge,  for  former  fins, 
doth  blind  and  harden,  from  them  he  not  only 
with-holdeth  his  grace,  whereby  they  might  have 
been  enlightened  in  their  understandings,  and 
wrought  upon  in  their  hearts;  but  fometimes  alio 
withdravveth  the  gifts  which  they  had,  and  expof- 
eth  them  to  fuch  objecls  as  their  corruption 
makes  occafion  of  fin;  and  withal,  gives  them 
over  to  their  own  lufts,  the  temptations  of  the 
world,  and  the  power  of  Satan  :  whereby  it  comes 
to  pafs  that  they  harden  themfelves,  even  under 
thofe  means  which  God  ufeth  for  the  foftening  of 
others. 

VII.  As  the  providence  of  God  doth,  in  general, 
reach  to  all  creatures  ;  fo,  after  a  moll  fpecial  man- 
ner, it  taketh  care  of  his  church,  and  difpofeth  all. 
things  to  the  gocd  thereof. 


CHAP.     VI 


nap.    VI.  TJ:e  Confejjion  of  lalth.  n 

CHAP-    VI. 

Of  the  Fall  of  Man,  of  Sin,  and  of 
tJie  Punifiment  thereof 

OUR  firfl  parents  being  feduced  by  the  fubtil- 
ty  and  temptation  of  Satan,  finned  in  eat- 
ing the  forbidden  fruit.  This  their  fin  God  was 
pleafed,  according  to  his  wife  and  holy  counfel,  to 
permit,  having  purpofed    to    order  it  to  his  own 

§loiT 

II.  By  this   fin   they   fell  from  their  original 

righteoufnefs,  and  communion  with  God,  and  fo 
became  dead  in  fin,  and  wholly  defiled  in  all  the 
faculties  and  parts  of  foul  and  boc 

III.  They  being  the  root  of  all  mankind,  the 
guilt  of  this  fin  was  imputed,  and  the  fame  death 
in  lin,  and  corrupted  nature  conveyed  to  all  their 
potterity,  defcending  from  them  by  ordinary  gene- 
ration. 

IV.  From  this  original  corruption,  whereby 
we  are  utterly  indifpofed,  di fabled  and  made  op- 
posite to  all  good,  and  wholly  inclined  to  all  evil, 
do  proceed  all  actual  tranfgrellions. 

V.  This  corruption  of  nature,  during  this 
life,  doth  remain  in  thofe  that  are  regenerated ; 
and  although  it  be  through  Chriir.   pardoned  and 

rtified,  yet  both  itfelf,  and  all  the  motions 
thereof,  are  truly  and  properly  fin. 

VI.  Every  fin,  both  original  and  actual,  bekig 
a  tranfgreffion  of  the  righteous  law  of  God,  and 
contrary  thereunto,  doth  in  its  own  nature,  bring 

It  upon  the  (inner,  thereby  he  is  bound  over 
to  tl  rath  of  God,  and  curfe  of  the  law,  and 
fo  made  fubjecl:  to  death,  with  all  miferies  fpiritu- 
al,  temporal  and  eternal. 

C  H  A  P.     VII. 


Tt  The  Confefsion  of  Faith.  Chap.   VI. 

CHAP.    VL 

Of  God's  Covenant  with  Man. 

THE  diftancr  bet- veer  God  and  the  en  a  tun*  is 
fo  great,  that  although  reasonable  creaturel 
do  owe  obedience  unto  him  as  theil  Creator,  j  _t 
they    could  never   h;*  y  fruition  of    him,  as 

their  bleitednefs  an  ard,but  by  fome  voluntary 

condefcenfion  on  God's  part,  which  he  hath  been 
pleafed  to  exprefs  by  way  of  covenant. 

II.  The  firft  covenant  made  with  man  was 
a  covenant  of  works  wherein  life  was  promifed 
to  Adam,  and  in  him  to  his  pofterity,  upon  con- 
dition of  perfeft  and perfonal  obedience, 

III.  Mail  by  his  fall  having  made  himfelf  in- 
capable ot  lire  by  that  covenant,  the  Lord  was 
pealed  to  make  a  fecond,  commonly  called  The 
Covenant  of  Grace:  wherein  he  freely  offereth 
unto  iinncrs  life  and  falvation  by  Jefus  Chriit, 
requiring  of  them  faith  in  him,  that  they  may  be 
faved;  and  promiiing  to  give  unto  all  thofe  that 
are  c>rdained  unto  life  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  make 
them  willing  and  able  to  believe. 

I V.  This  covenant  of  grace  is  frequently  fet 
forth  in  fcripture  bv  the  name  of  a  Teitament,  in 
reference  to  the  death  of  Jefus  Chrift,  the  tef- 
tator,  and  to  the  everlafling  inheritance,  with  all 
things  belonging  to  it  therein  bequeathed. 

Y.  7  his  covenant  was  differently  adminiftered 
in  the  time  of  the  law,  and  in  the  time  of  the  goi- 
pel :  under  the  law  it  was  adminiilered  by  promifes, 
prophecies,  facrifices,  circumcifion,  the  pafchal 
lamb,  and  other  types  and  ordinances  delivered 
to  the  people  of  the  Jews,  all  fore-fignifying  Chrift 
to  come,  which  were  for  that  time  fuflkient  and 

efficacious 


Chap.  VIII.       The  Corjfefsion  of  Faith.  13 

1  ncacious,  through  the  operation  of  the  Spirit, 
to  inilrucl  and  build  up  trie  elecl:  in  faith  in  the 
promifed  Me  ill  ah,  by  whom  they  had  full  re- 
n  m  of  fins,  and  eternal  falvation  ;  and  is  call- 
ed The  OH  Teftament. 

VL  Under  the  gofpet,  when  Chrifl  the  fub- 
ftance  was   exhibited,    the  ordinances    in  which 

is  covenant  is  difpenfed  are  the  preaching  of  the 
word,  and  the    administration  of   the  facraments 

Baptifin  and  the  Lord's  Supper;  which,  though 
fewer  in  number,  and  adminiaered  with  more  (im- 
plicity  and  lefs  outward  glory,  yet  in  them  it  is 
held  forth  in  morefullnefs,  evidence,  and  fpiritual 
efficacy,  to  a1!  nations,  both  Jews  and  Gentiles; 
and  is  called  The  New  Teftament-  There  are  n  , 
therefore,  two  covenants  of  grace  differing  in  fub- 
france,  but  one  and  the  fame  under  various  dif- 
penfations. 

4^>~>-*  >•  >.>*>-►->.>-►-►.•>->.  >->~^k<  <  .<.<  .<  ^  .<-<..«■.«  .<  4^  .A  «<  <..«^j 

CHAP.    VIII. 
Of  Chrifi  the  Mediator, 

IT  pleafed  God,  in  his  eternal  purpofe,  to  chcofe 
and  ordain  the  Lord  Jefus,  his  only  begottea 
bon  to  be  the  Mediator  between  God 'and  man 
t,.e  Prophet,  Prieft  and  King;  the  head  and  Sa- 
woprof  hjs  Church;  the  heir  of  ail  things,  and 
J  t  tile  world  ;  unto  v.  horn  he  did  from  all 

<-  e<  1  -y  g.v:  a  people  to  be  his  feed,  and  to  be 
t  him  in  ti.»e  r  deemed,  called,  juitiried,  fan£ti- 
f..a,  and  glorified. 

T  ^k,  \hS  S°"  °f  G°fi'  the  fecoad  Perf°n  ^  the 
1  i«y,  being  very  aild  eternal  Ged,  ox  one  iub- 

#  ftance 


14  The  Confefsito  of  Faith.     Chap.  VIII. 

ftante,  and  equal  with  the  Father,  did,  when  the 
fullneft  of  ti;nc  was  come,  take  upon  him  man's 
nature,  with  all  the  eliential  properties  and  com- 
mon infirmities  thereof,  yet  without  fin  :  being 
conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Gholt,  in  the 
womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  of  her  ftibllance.  S;) 
that  two  whole,  perfect,  and  difiincl:  natures,  the 
Godhead  and  the  manhood,  were  infeparably  join- 
ed together  in  one  perfon,  without  converlion, 
compofition,  or  confuiion.  Which  perfon  is  very 
God  and  very  man,  yet  one  Chrift,  the  only  Me- 
diator between    God  and  man. 

III.  The  Lord  Jefus,  in  his  human  nature  thus 
united  to  the  divine,  was  fan6lified  and  anointed 
with  the  Holy  Spirit  above  mcafure  ;  having  in 
him  all  the  treafures  of  wifdom  and  knowledge  ; 
in  whom  it  pleafed  the  Father  that  all  fullnefs 
fhould  dwell  :  to  the  end  that  being  holy,  harm- 
lefs,  undefiled,  and  full  of  grace  and  truth,  lie 
might  be  thoroughly  furnifhed  to  execute  the  office 
oi  a  Mediator  and  Surety.  Which  office  he 
took  not  unto  himfelf,  but  was  thereunto  called 
by  his  Father  ;  who  put  all  power  and  judgment 
into  his  hand,  and  gave  him  commandment  to 
execute  the  fame. 

IV.  This  office  the  Lord  Jefus  did  mod:  wil- 
lingly undertake;  which,  that  he  might  difcharge, 
he  was  made  under  the  law,  and  did  perfectly 
fulfil  it ;  endured  mod  grievous  torments  immedi- 
ately in  his  foul,  and  moil  painful  fufferings  in  his 
body  ;  was  crucified,  and  died  ;  was  buried,  and 
lemained  und^r  the  power  of  d:ath,  yet  faw  no 
corruption.  O  the  third  day  he  arofe  from  the 
dead,  with  the  fame  body  in  which  he  fuffered ; 
with  which  alfo  he  afcended  into  heaven,  gnd 
there  fitteth  at  the  righthand  of  his  Father,  mak- 
ing 


C 1  r  p .  V 1 1 1 .      57  e  Confcfsicn  of  Faith.  1 5 

ing  mterceffion  ;  and   (hall    return  to  judge  men 
and  angels,  at  the  end  of  the  world. 

V.  The  Lord  Jefu?,  by  his  perfect  obedience 
and  facrifice  of  himfelf,  which  he  through  the 
eternal  Spirit  once  offered  up  unto  God,  hath  fully 
fatisfied  the  juftice  of  his  Father ;  and  purchafed 
not  only ;  reconciliation,  but  an  everlafting  inherit- 
ance in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  for  all  thofe  whom 
the  Father  hath  given  unto  him. 

VI.  Although  the  work  of  redemption  was  net 
actually  wrought  by  Chrift  till  after  his  incarnati- 
on, yet  the  virtue,  efficacy,  and  benefits  thereof, 
were  communicated  unto  the  elect,  in  all  ages  fuc- 
ceflively  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  in  and 
by  thofe  promifes,  types  and  facrifice?,  wherein  he 
was  revealed  and  iignified  to  be  the  Seed  of  the 
woman,  which  fhould  bruife  the  ferpent's  head,  and 
the  Lamb  (lain  from  the  beginning  of  the  world, 
being  yefterday  and  to  day  the  fame,  and  for  ever. 

VII.  Chrift,  in  the  work  of  mediation,  acteth 
according  to  both  natures ;  by  each  nature  doing 
that  which  is  proper  to  itfelf :  yet  by  reafon  of  the 
unity  of  the  perfon,  that  which  is  proper  to  one 
nature,  is  fometimes  in  fcripture,  attributed  to  the 
perfon  denominated  by  the  other  nature. 

VIII.  To  all  thofe  for  whom  Chrift  hath  pur- 
chafed redemption,  he  doth  certainly  and  effec- 
tually apply  and  communicate  the  fame;  mak- 
ing interceffion  for  them;  and  revealing  unto 
them,  in  and  by  the  word  the  myfteries  of  falva- 
tion ;  effectually  perfuading  them  by  his  Spirit  to 
believe  and  obey ;  and  governing  their  hearts  by 
his  word  and  fpirit  ;  overcoming  all  their  enemies 
by  his  almighty  power  and  wifdom,  in  fuch  man- 
ner and  ways  as  are  molt  confonant  to  his  won- 
derful and  unfearchable  difpenfation. 

B  z  CHAP. 


1 6  n-e  CcnfeJJion  of  Faith.       Chap.  IX. 

C   H    A   P.      IX. 

Of  Free  Will. 

GOD  hath  endued  the  will  of  man  with  that 
natural  liberty,  that  it  is  neither  forced,  nor, 
by  any  abfolufe  neceiiity  of  nature,  determined  to 
good  or  evil. 

II.  Man,  in  his  ftate  of  innocency,  had  free- 
dom and  power  to  will  and  to  do  that  which  is 
good  and  well-pleafmg  to  God  ;  but  yet  mutably, 
io  that  he  might  fail  from  it. 

III.  Man,  bv  his  fall  into  a  ftate  of  fin,  hath 
tvholly  loft  all  ability  of  will  to  any  fpiritual  good 
accompanying  falvation  :  fo  as  a  natural  man,  be- 
ing altogether  averfe  from  that  good,  and  dead  in 
fin,  is  not  able,  by  his  own  ftrerigth  to  convert 
himfelf,  or  to  prepare  himfelf  thereunto. 

IV.  When  God  converts  a  finner,  and  tranfiares 
him  into  the  ftate  of  grace,  he  freeth  him  from  his 
natural  bondage  under  fin,  and  by  his  grace  alone, 
enables  him  freely  to  will  and  to  do  that  which  is 
fpiritually  good;  yet  fo  as  that^  by  reafon  of  his 
remaining  corruption,  he  doth  not  perte&ly,  nor 
only,  will,  that  which  is  good,  but  doth  alfo  will 
that  which  is  evil. 

V.  The  will  of  man  is  made  perfectly  and  im- 
mutably free  to  good  alone,  in  the  ftate  of  glory 
only. 

C  H  A  P.     X. 

Of  EjfcElual  Calling. 

AL  L    thofe   whom  God  hath  predeftinated 
unto    life,  and  thofe  only,  he  is  pleafed,  in 
his  appointed  and  accepted  time,  effectually  to  call 

by 


Chap.  X.  The  Confesjion  of  Taith.  17 

by  his  word  and  Spirit,  out  of  that  (late  of  fin  and 
death,  in  which  they  are  by  nature,  to  grace  and  fal- 
vation  by  Jefus  Chiit ;  enlightening  their  minds  fpi- 
ritually  and  favingly,  to  underftand  the  things  of 
God,  taking  away  their  heart  of  ftone,  and  giving 
unto  them  an  heart  of  flefh  ;  renewing  their  wills, 
and  by  his  almighty  power  determining  them  to 
that  which  is  good  ;  and  effectually  drawing  thxm 
to  Jefus  Chriit ;  yet  fo  as  they  come  moit  freely, 
being  made  willing  by  his  grace. 

II.  This  effectual  call  is  of  God's  free  and  i; 
cial    grace  alone,  not  from  any  thing  at     all  fort 
feen  in  man,  who  is  altogether  paflive  th 

til,  being  quickened  and  renewed  by  the  holy  Si 
rit,  he  is  thereby  enabled  to  anfwer  this  call,  a. 
to  embrace  the  grace  offered  and  conveyed  in  it. 

III.  Elect  infants,  dying  in  infancy,   are  rege- 
nerated and  faved  by  Chriit  through   the  Spir 
who  worketh  when,  and  where,  and  how  he  pleaf- 
eth.     So  alfo  are  all  other  elect  perfons,    who  a 
incapable  of  being  outwardly   called  by  the  mi:,.- 
ftry  of  the  word. 

IV.  Others  not  elected,  although  they  may  be 
called  by  the  miniftry  of  the  word,    and  may  have 
fome  common  operations  0/  the   Spirit,  yet   they 
never  truly  come   to  Chriit,  and  therefore  cannot 
be  faved  :    much  lefs  can  men,  not  profeffing  the 
Chriitian  religion,  be  faved  in  any  other  way  w 
foeyer,  be  they  never  fo  diligent   to  frame  their 
lives  according  to  the  light  of  nature,  and  the  law 
of  that  religion  they  do  profefs  ;  and  to  aitert  and 
maintain  that  they  may  is  very  pernicious,   and  to 
be  detefted. 


CHAP, 


tl  The  Ccnfesfion  of  Faith.     Chap.  XI. 

CHAP.       XL 

Of  Juflification. 

THOSE  whom  God  cffeaually  calleth,  he 
alfo  iieely  juftifieth  ;  not  by  infufing  righte- 
oufnefs  into  them,  but  by  pardoning  their  fins,  and 
by  accounting  and  accepting  their  perfons  as  righte- 
ous: not  for  any  thing  wrought  in  them,  or  done 
by  them,  but  toi  Chriit's  fake  alone  :  not  by  imput- 
ing faith  itfelf,  the  acl:  of  believing,,  or  any  other 
evangelical  obedience,  to  them  as  their  righteouf- 
nefs;  but  by  imputing  the  obedience  and  fatisfac- 
tion  oi  Chriit  unto  them,  they  receiving  and  reft- 
ing  on  him  and  his  righteoufnefs  by  faith;  which 
faith  they  have  not  ot  themfelves,  it  is  the  gilt  of 
God. 

II.  Faith,  thus  receiving  and  refting  on  Chrift 
ind  his  righeoufnefs,  is  the  alone  inftrument  of 
juftincat  on  ;  yet  is  it  not  alone  in  the  perfon  jufti- 
fied,  but  is  ever  accompanied  with  all  other  faving 
graces,  and  is  no  d<  ad  laith,  but  worketh  by  lo\e. 

III.  Chriit,  by  his  obedience  and  death,  did  fully 
difhar^e  the  debt  of  allthoft.  that  are  thus  justified, 
aid  did  make  a  proper,  real,  and  full  fathlaciion 
to  his  lather's  juiticc  in  their  behalf.  Yet,  in  as 
much  as  he  was  given  by  the  rather  for  th^m,  and 
his  obedience  and  fati'iac'tk  n  accepted  in  their 
ftead,  and  bgth  freely,  not  for  any  thing  in  th  in, 
their  ji.ilir:(  ation  is  only  oi  iitt  grace  ;  thac  both 
the  exad  jritice,  and  rich  grace  oi  God^might  be 
glorified  in  the  juflification  of  finders. 

IV.  God  did,  from  all  eternity,  decree  to  jufli- 
fy  all  tie  elect  \  ai  d  Chrifl  did,  in  the  full  rfs  of 
tin  e,  die  for  their  fins,  and  rife  again  for  their  juft 
f&cation:  nevertheless  they  are  not  juftificd,  until 

the 


Chap.  XII.  The  €onfeJJion  ef  Faith.  19 

the  Holy  Spirit  doth,  in  due  time,  actually  apply 
Chrilt  unto  them. 

V.  God  doth  continue  to  forgive  the  fins  of  thofe 
that  are  juiliried  :  and  although  they  can  never  fall 
from  the  flate  of  juftitication,  yet  they  may  by  their 
fins  fall  under  God's  fatherly  difpleafure,  and  not 
have  the  light  of  his  countenance  reftored  unto 
them,  until  they  humble  themfcives,  confefs  their 
fins,  beg  pardon,  and  renew  their  faith  and  repent- 
ance. 

VI.  The  juftification  of  believers  under  the  old 
teftament  was,  in  all  thefe  refpects,  one  and  the 
fame  with  the  juftification  of  believers  under  the 
New  Teilament. 

•k*-k*  •>»«>»«*<«»>-»•  *f¥  •&*  *y*  *&>  *^>*^>  «^>*>>«>>  <£•  *&* 

CHAR     XIL 

Of  Adoption. 

L  L  thofe  that  are  juftiried,  God  vouch fafeth, 


A 


in  and  for  his  only  Son  Jefus  Chrilt,  to  make 
pa  ^akers  of  the  grace  of  adoption  :  by  which  they 
are  taken  into  the  number,  and  enjoy  the  liberties 
and  privileges  of  the  children  ot  God;  have  his 
name  put  upon  them,,  receive  the  Spirit  ol  adop- 
tion ;  have  accefs  to  the  throne  of  grace  with  bold- 
nefs  ;  are  enabled  to  cry,  Abba  Father ;  are  pi- 
tied, protected,  provided  for,  and  challened  by  him 
as  by  a  father;  yet  never  cait  off,  but  iea\d  to  the 
day  of  redemption,  and  inherit  the  promiics,  as 
heirs  of  everfcutiag  iaivatioa. 


B  3  CHAP. 


ao  The  ConfeJJlon  ef  Faith.  Chap.  XIII. 

CHAP.  XIIL 

Of  SanElifi cation. 

THEY  who  are  effectually  called  and  regene- 
rated, having  a  new  heart  and  a  new  fpirit  cre- 
ated in  them,  are  farther  fanctified,  really  and  per- 
fonally,  through  the  virtue  ot  Chrilt's  death  and  re- 
furrection,  by  his  word  and  Spirit  dwelling  in 
them  :  the  dominion  of  the  whole  body  of  fin  is  de- 
ftroyed,  and  the  feveral  luffs  thereof  are  more  and 
more  weakened  and  mortified,  and  they  more  and 
more  quickened  and  flrengthened,  in  all  faving 
graces,  to  the  practice  of  true  holinefs,  without 
which  no  man  mall  fee  the  Lord. 

II.  This  fanctification  is  throughout  in  the 
whole  man,  yet  imperfect  in  this  life  :  there  abid- 
eth  ftill  fome  remnants  of  corruption  in  every  part, 
whence  arifeth  a  continual  and  irreconcileable  war, 
the  fielh  luffing  againft  the  fpirit,  and  the  fpirit  a- 
gainft  the  ficfo. 

III.  In  which  war,  although  the  remaining 
corruption  for  a  time  may  much  prevail,  yet, 
through  the  continual  fupply  of  ftrength  from  the 
fan&ifying  Spirit  ot  Chriit,  the  regenerate  part  doth 
overcome  :  and  fo  the  faints  grow  in  grace,  per- 
fecting holinefs  in  the  fear  oi  God. 

CHAP.    XIV. 

Of   S       ig  Faith. 

Traceof  faith,  the  elect  are  en- 

a>         lobe1  of  their  fouls,  is 

the   work  of  the  S.j  in   their  h^ai 

and  i  ily  wrought  by  the  miniitry 

word; 


Chap.  XV.         The  Confejfion  of  Toitbi  21 

word:  by -which  a! To,  and  by  theadminifbation  of 
the  facraments,  and  prayer,  it  is  increased  and 
ftrencthened. 

II.  By  this  faith,  a  Chriftian  believeth  to  be  true, 
whatsoever  is  revealed  in  the  word,  for  the  authority 
of  God  himfelf  fpeaking  therein  \  and  a&eth  differ- 
ently, upon  that  which  each  particular  paiTage 
thereof  containeth  ;  yielding  obedience  to  the  com- 
mands, trembling  at  the  threatnings,  and  embrac- 
ing the  promifes  of  God,  for  this  life,  and  that 
which  is  to  come.  But  the  principal  acls  of  fay- 
ing faith  are,  accepting,  receiving,  and  refting 
upon  Chriit  alone  for  juftification,  fanclincation 
and  eternal  life,  by  virtue  of  the  covenant  of 
grace. 

III.  This  faith  is  different  in  degrees,  weak 
or  ftrong;  may  be  often  and  many  ways  availed 
and  weakened,  but  gets  the  victory ;  growing  up 
in  many    to   the  attainment   of    a  full  afiurance 

rough  Chrift,  who  is  both  the. author  and  fmiih- 
er  of  our  faith. 

CHAP.     xv. 

Of  Repentance  unto  Life. 

REPENTANCE  unto  life  is  an  evangelical 
'  grace,  the  doctrine  whereof  is  to  be  preach- 
ed by  every  minifter  of  the  gofpel,  as  well  as  that 
of  faith  in  Chrift. 

II.  By  it  a  finner,  out  of  the  fight  and  fenfe, 
not  only  of  the  danger,  but  alfo  of  the  filthine fs 
and  odioufnefs  of  his  fins,  as  contrary  to  the 
holy  nature  and  righteous  law  of  God,  and  upon 
the  apprehenfion  of  his  mercy  in  Chrift  to  fuchas 
are  penitent,  fo  grieves  for  and  hates  his  fins,  as 

to 


22  Tl.e  CcnfeJJkn  of  Faith.         Chap.  XV. 

to  turn  from  them  all  unto  G3d,  purpofing  and 
endeavouring  to  walk  with  him,  in  all  the  ways  of 
his  commandments. 

III.  Although  repentance  be  not  to  be  reded  in, 
as  any  fatisiadtion  for  fin,  or  any  caufe  of  the 
pardon  thereof,  which  is  the  acT:  of  God's  free 
grace  in  Chriftj  yet  is  it  of  fuch  neceffity  to  all 
tinners,  that  none  may  expedl  pardon  without  it. 

IV.  As  there  is  no  fin  fo  fmall  but  it  deferves 
damnation  ;  fo  there  is  no  fin  fo  great,  that  it  can 
bring  damnation  upon  thofe  who  truly  repent. 

V.  Men  ought  not  to  content  themfelves  with 
a  general  repentance,  but  it  is  every  man's  duty 
to  endeavour  to  repent  of  his  particular  fins,  par- 
ticularly. 

VI.  As  every  man  is  bound  to  make  private 
eonfeffion  of  his  fins  to  God,  praying  for  the  par- 
don thereof;  upon  which,  and  the  forfaking  of 
them,  he  fhall  find  mercy:  fo  he  that  fcandaiizeth 
his  brother,  or  the  church  of  Chrift,  ought  to  be 
willing,  by  a  private  or  publick  confeilion  and 
forrow  for  his  fin,  to  declare  his  repentence  to 
thofe  that  are  offended ;  who  are  thereupon  to  be 
reconciled  to  him,  and  in  love  to  receive  him. 


CHAP.     XVI. 

Of  Good  Works. 

GOOD  works  are    only  fuch  as  God    hath 
commanded  in  his  holy  word,  and  not  fuch 
as  without    the  warrant    thereof,  are   devifed  by 
men,  cut   of  blind  zeal,  or  upon  any  pretence  of 
good  intention. 

II.  Thefe  good  works,  done  in  obedience  to 
God's  commandment?,  are  the  fruits  and  evidences 
of  a  true  and  lively  faith:  and  by  them  believers 
nnanifdt  their  thankfulnefs,  ftrengthen  their  aflur- 

ance, 


Chap.    XVI.  The  ConfeJJlon  of  baith.  23 

ance,  edify-  their  brethern,  adorn  the  profeHioncf 
the  gofpel,  flop  the  mouths  of  the  adverfaries,  and 
and  glorify  God,  whofe  r/orkmanfhip  they  are, 
created  in  Chrift  Jefus  thereunto;  that,  having 
their  fruit  unto  holinefs,  they  may  have  the  end, 
eternal  life. 

III.  Their  ability  to  do  good  works  is  not  at  all 
of  themfelves,  but  wholly  from  the  fpirit  of  Chrift. 
And  that  they  may  be  enabled  thereunto,  befides 
the  graces  they  have  already  received,  there  is  re- 
quired an  actual  influence  of  the  fame  Holy  Spirit 
to  work  in  them  to  w  ill  and  to  do  of  his  good 
pleafure  :  yet  are  they  not  hereupon  to  grow  negli- 
gent, as  if  they  were  not  bound  to  "perform  any 
duty  unlefs  upon  a  fpecial  motion  of  the  Spirit ; 
but  they  ought  to  be  diligent  in  ftirring  up  the 
grace  of  God  that  is  in  them. 

IV.  Thev,  who  in  their  obedience,  attain  to  the 
greateft  height  which  is  poftible  in  this  life,  are  fo 
far  from  being  able  to  fupererogate  and  to  do  more 
than  God  requires,  that  they  fall  ihort  of  much, 
which  in  duty,   they  are  bound  to  do. 

V.  We  cannot,  by  our  beft  works,  merit  par- 
don of  fin,  or  eternal  life,  at  the  hand  of  God,  by 
reafon  of  the  great  difproportion  that  is  between 
them  2nd  the  glory  to  come,  and  the  infinite  dif- 
tance  that  is  between  us  and  God,  whom  by  them 
we  can  neither  profit,  nor  fatisfy  for  the  debt  of 
cur  former  fins  ;  but,  when  we  have  done  all  -we 
ran,  we  have  done  but  our  duty,  and  are  unpro- 
fitable   fervants ;  and  becaufe,  as  they  are   good, 

.they  proceed  from  his  Spirit ;  and,  as  they  arc 
wrought  by  us,  they  are  defiled  and  mixed  with  fo 
much  weaknefs  and  imperfection,  that  they  can- 
not endure  the  feverity  of  God's  judgment. 

VI.  Yet 


24        th  Confeffton  of  Faith.         Chap.  XVII. 

VI.  Yet  not  with  flar.  the  pcrfons  of  believ- 

ers bung  accepted  through  Chrift,  *  their  g>od 
works  alio  ate  accepted  in  him,  not  as  though  they 
were  in  this  life  wholly  unblameab1  and  law  - 
proveable  in  God's  light;  bnt  thathj,  looking  up* 
on  them  in  his  fon,  is  pTeafed  to  accept  a^ii  re- 
ward that  which  is  fincere,  although  accoa  pauLJ 
with  many  wakneifes  and  imperfection 

\II  Works  done  by  unregenerate  men,  al- 
though, for  the  d  r  of  them,  they  may  be 
things  which  God  commands,  and  of  good  ufc 
both  to  themfelves and  others:  Yet,  becaufe  they 
proceed  not  from  an  heart  purified  by  faith  ;  nor 
are  done  in  a  right  manner,  accori  :o  the  word; 
nor  to  a  right  end,  the  glory  of  God  ;  they  .  3 
therefore  finful,  and  canriot  pi  afe  God,  or  ma 
a  man  meet  to  receive  grace  from  God.  And  yet 
their  neglect  of  them  is  more  finful,  and  difpbaf- 
ingunto  God. 

CHAP.      XVII. 

Of  the  Perfevcrance  of  the  Saints. 

THEY  whom  G  id  hath  accepted  in  his  be- 
loved, effectually  called  and  fanitiued  by  his 
Spirit,   can   neither  totally  nor   finally   fall  away' 
from  the  itate  of  grace  ;  but  fhall  certainly  perfe- 
\c  erein  to  the  end,  and  be  eternally  faved. 

II.  p  ifcverance  of  the  faints   depends, 

not  upon  their  own  free-will,  but  upon  the  in  — 
n  utabilitv  (  f  th"  decree  of  election,  ftovvim  ra 
the  free  ai  d  unrh  able  love  of  God  the  Fa- 
ther; ipAn  the  efficacy  of  the  merit  and  ii  f- 
fio:  '  fu  Ch -ill .  ihc  abidii  ihc  Spirit  and 
01  the  .-^i  01  Gjd  within  them  }  and  the  fc;      c 

of 


Oap.  XVIII.         The  Confejfisn  of  FaUh.         25 

o   the  covenant  of  grace:  Fr<  m  all   which  arifeth 
alfo  the  certainty  and  infallibility  thereof. 

III.  N^verchelefs  they  rmy,  through  the  temp- 
taiions  of  fata  1  and  of  th*  world,  the  prevalency  of 
corruption  remaining  in  them,  and  the  negleft  of 
the  m;ans  Oi  their  prefervation,  fall  into  grievous 
fins  ;  aid  for  a  time  continue  therein  :  whereby 
th?y  incur  God's  difpleafure,  and  grieve  his  Holy 
Spirit ;  come  to  be  deprived  of  fome  meafure  of 
their  graces  and  comforts ;  have  their  hearts  hard- 
ened, and  their  confciences  wounded  ;  hurt  and 
fcandalize  others,  and  bring  temporal  judgments 
up^w  themfelves. 

CHAR     XVI II. 

Of  the  AJfurance  of  Grace  and  Salva* 

tion. 

ALTHOUGH  hypocrites,  and  other  unregen- 
erate  mm,  may  vainly  deceive  themfelves 
with  falfe  hopes  and  carnal  preemptions  of  being 
in  the  favour  of  God  and  eftate  of  ialvation  ;  which 
hope  of  theirs  ihall  perifh  :  yet  fuch  as  truly  be- 
lieve in  the  Lord  Jefu  ■,  and  love  him  in  lincerity, 
endeavouring  to  walk  in  all  good  confeience  before 
him,  may  in  this  life  be  certainly  ailured  that  thejr 
are  in  the  Hate  of  grace,  and  may  rejoice  in  the  hope 
of  theghryofGod;  which  hope  ihall  never  make 
them  afhamed. 

II.  This  certainty  is  not  a  bare  conjeclural  and 
probable p  r'uaiion,  grounded  upon  a  fallible  hope; 
but  an  infallible  aiiuiance  of  fa  th,  founded  upon 
the  divine  truth  of  the  pro Ti  fes  o  fa  vation,  the  in- 
ward evidence  of  thofe  graces  unto  which  thefe 
promifes  are  made,  the  tellimony  of  the  Spirit   of 

C  Adoption 


16         The  Confeffion  of  Faith.  Chap.  X  VIII. 

Adoption  witnefling  with  our  Spirits,  that  we  are 
the  Children  of  God:  which  Spirit  is  the  Earned 
of  our  Inheritance,  whereby  we  are  fealed  to  the 
Day  of  Redemption. 

III.  This  infallible  aiTurance  doth  not  fo  be- 
long to  the  eiTence  of  faith,  but  that  a  true  believer 
may  wait  long,  and  conflict  with  many    difficulties 
before  he  be  partaker  of  it:  Yet,  being  enabled  by 
the  Spirit  to  know  the  things  which  are  freely  given 
him  of  God,  he  may,  without  extraordinary  reve- 
lation, in  the    right  ufe  of  ordinary  means,  attain 
thereunto.     And  therefore   it  is  the  duty  of  every 
•  one,    to  give  all  diligence  to  make  his  calling  and 
election   fure;  that   thereby  his  heart  may  be  en- 
larged in  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in  love 
and  thankfulnefs  to  God,  and  in  ftrength  and  cheer- 
fulnefs  in  the  duties  of  obedience,  the  proper  fruits 
cf  this  aiTurance :  So  far  is  it  from  inclining  men 
Ao  loofenefs. 

IV.  True    believers  may  have  the  aiTurance  of 
their  falvation  divers  ways  fhaken,  diminifhed  and 
intermitted ;  as,  by  negligence  in  preferring  of  it, 
by  falling   into  fome'fpecial  fin,  which  woundeth 
the  confeience,  and  grieveth  the  Spirit;    by  fome 
fudden  or   vehement  terriptation ;  by  God's    with- 
drawing the  light  of  his  countenance, -and  fuffering 
even  fuch  as  fear  him  to  walk  in  darknefs  and  to 
have    no  light:   Yet  are  they  never  utterly  deflitute 
of  that  feed  of  God,  and  life   of  faith,  that  love  of 
Chrift  and  the  brethren,  that  fincerity  of  heart  and 
confeience  of  duty,  out  of  which,  by  the  operation 
*of  the: Spirit,  this  aiTurance  may  in  due  time  be  re- 
vived, and  by   the  which,  in  the  mean  time,  they 
J^re  fupported  from  utter  defpair. 


CHAP. 


Chap.   XIX.        The  Confiffton  of  Faith,  ±f 

CHAP.    XIX. 

1 
I 

Of  the  Law  of  God. 

GOD  gave  to  Adam  a  law,  as  a  covenant  of 
works,  by  which  he  bound  him  and  all  his 
poiterity  to  perfonal,  entire,  exact  and  perpetual 
obedience;  promifed  life  upon  the  fulfilling,  and 
threatned  death  upon  the  breach  of  it ;  and  endued 
him  with  power  and  ability  to  keep  it. 

II.  This  law,  after  his  fall;  continued  to  be 
a  perfect  rule  of  righteoufnefs ;  and,  as  fuch,  was 
delivered  by  God  upon  mount  Sinai  in  ten  com- 
mandments, and  written  in  two  tables  ;  the  lour 
firft  commandments  containing  our  duty  towards 
God,  and  the  other  fix  our  duty  to  man. 

III.  Belide  this  law,  commonly  called  moral, 
God  was  pleafed  to  give  to  the  people  of  Ifrael,  as 
a  church  underage,  ceremonial  laws,  containing 
feveral  typical  ordinances,  partly  of  worihip,  prefi- 
guring Chrift,  his  graces,  actions,  fufferings  and 
benefits  :  and  partly  holding  forth  divers  inftruc- 
tions  of  moral  duties.  All  which  ceremonial  laws 
are  now  abrogated  under  the  New  Teftament. 

IV.  To  them  alfo,  as  a  body  politick,  he  gave 
fundry  judicial  laws,  which  expired  together  with 
the  ftate  of  that  people,  not  obliging  any  other,  now, 
further  than  the  general  equity  thereof  may  require. 

V.  The  moral  law  doth  for  ever  bind  all,  as  we'il 
juftified  perfons  as  others,  to  the  obedience  thereof; 
and  that  not  only  in  regard  of  the  matter  contrived 
in  it,  but  alfo  in  refpecl:  of  the  authority  of  God  the 
creator  who  gave  it.  Neither  doth  Chrift  in  the  gof- 
pel  any  way  diifolve,  but  much  ftrengthen,  ihis 
©bligation.  '    4 

C  2  VI ,   Although 


l8  The  Confejfion  of  Faith.        Chap.  XIX. 

VI.  Although  true  believers  be  not   under   the 
law  as  a  covenant  of  works,  to  be  thereby  juftified 
or  condemned;  yet  is   it  of  great  ufe  to  them,  as 
well  as  to  others  ;  in  that,  as  a  rule  of  life,  inform- 
ing; them  of  the  will  of  God  and  their  duty,  it  di- 
rects and  binds  them  to  walk  accordingly;  difcover- 
irgalfo  the  finful  pollutions  of  their  nature,  hearts 
and   lives;     io  as,  examining  themfelves  thereby, 
they  may  come  to  further  conviction  of,  humiliation 
for,  -and  hatred  againft  fin  ;  together  with  a  clearer 
fig't  of  the  need  they  have  of  Chrift,  and  trie  per- 
fection of  his  obedience.      It  is  likewife  of  ufe  to 
the  regenerate,  to  reftn  in  their  corruptions  ;  in  that 
it  forbids  fin  ;  and  thethreatnings  of  it  fcrve  to  (hew 
v  hr.t  even  their  finsdeferve,  and  what  afflictions  in 
this  life  they  may  expect  for  them,  although  freed 
from  the  curfe  thereof  threatned  in  the  law.     The 
promifes  of  it,  in  like  manner,  fhew  th:m  God's 
approbation  of  obedience,  and  what  bleffing?  they 
may    expect:   upon    the    performance  thereof,  al- 
though not  as  due  to  them  by  the  law  as  a  covenant 
of  works  :   fo  as  a  ^an's  doing  good,  and  refraining 
from  evil,  becaufe  the  law  encourageth  to  the  one, 
and  deterreth  from  the  other,  is  no  evidence  of  his 
being  under  the  law,  and  not  under  grace. 

VII.  Neither  are  the  fore-mentioned  ufes  of  the 
law  contrary  to  the  grace  of  the  gofpel,  but  do 
fweetly  comply  with  it ;  the  Spirit  of  Chrifi  fubdu- 
ing  and  enabling  the  will  of  man  to  do  that  freely 
and  cheerfully,  which  the  will  of  God,  revealed  m 
the  law,  recruireth  to  be  done. 


CHAP, 


Chap.    XX.  The  Confcjjion  $/  haith.  %) 

CHAP.     XX. 

Of  Chrijlian  Liberty,  and  Liberty  of 

Conjci  nee. 

TH  E  liberty  which  Chrift  hath  pv -chafed  for 
Believers  under  the  gofpel  confius  in  their 
freedom  from  the  guilt  of  fin,  the  condemning 
wrath  of  God,  the  turfe  of  the  moral  law  ;  and 
in  their  being  delivered  from  this  prefent  evil  world, 
bondage  to  Satan,  and  dominion  of  lin,  from  the 
evil  oi  afflictions,  the  (ting  of  death,  the  victory  ©f 
the  grave,  and  ev  erlailing  damnation ;  as  alfo  in 
their  free  accefs  to  God,  and  their  yielding  obedi- 
ence unto  him,  not  out  of  flavith  fear,  but  a  child- 
like love,  and  a  willing  mind.  AU  which  were  com- 
mon alfo  to  believers  under  the  law ;  but  under  the 
New  Teftament,  the  liberty  of  Chnllians  is  further 
enlarged  in  their  freedom  from  the  yoke  of  the  cere- 
monial law,  to  which  the  Jewifh  church  was  fubject- 
ed,  and  in  greater  boldnefs  of  accefs  to  the  Throne 
of  Grace,  and  in  fuller  communications  of  the  free 
Spirit  of  God,  than  believers  under  the  law  did  or- 
dinarily partake  of. 

II.  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  confeience,  and 
hath  left  it  free  from  the  doctrines  and  command- 
ments of  men  which  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to 
his  word,  or  befide  it,  in  matters  of  faith  or  wor- 
fhip.  So  that  to  believe  fuch  doctrines,  or  to  obey 
fuch  commandments- out  of  confeience,  is  to  be- 
tray true  liberty  of  confeience;  .nd  the  requiring 
of  an  implicit  faith,  and  an  abfolute  and  blind  obe- 
dience, is  to  deftroy  liberty  of  confeience,  and  rea- 
fon  alio. 

III.  They  who,  upon  pretence  of  Chriftian  li- 
beity,  do  practife  any  tin,  or  cheriih  any  luit,   do 

thereby 

c3 


3*  Ihi  Cznffjflm   of  Faith.  Chap.  XXI: 

thereby  deftroy  the  end  of  Chriftian  liberty ;  which 
is,  that,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands  of  our 
enemies,  we  might  lerve  the  Lord  without  fear,  in 
hoHnefs  and  righteoufnefs  before  him,  all  the  days 
©t  our  life. 

IV.  And  becaufe  the  powers  which  God  hath 
ordained,  and  the  liberty  which  Chrift  hath  pur- 
chafed,  are  not  intended  by  God  to  deftroy,  but 
mutally  to  uphold  -nd  preferve  one  another ;  they 
who,  upon  pretence  of  Chriftian  liberty,  (hall  cp- 
pofe  any  lawful  power,  or  the  lawful  exercife  of  it, 
whether  it  be  civil  or  ecclefiaftical,  refift  the  ordi- 
nance of  Gcd.  And  for  their  publiihing  of  fuch  opi- 
nions, or  maintaining  ot  fuch  practices,  as  are  con- 
trary to  the  light  of  nature,  or  to  the  known  prin- 
ciples of  Chriltianity,  whether  concerning  faith, 
worftiip  or  conversation ;  or  to  the  power  of  god- 
linefs;  or  fuch  erroneous  opinions  or  practices,  as 
either,  in  their  own  nature,  or  in  the  manner  of 
publiihing  or  maintaining  them,  are  deftruttive  to 
the  external  peice  and  order  which  Chrift  hath 
eftablifhed  in  the  chruch ;  they  may  lawfully  be 
called  to  account,  and  proceeded  againft  by  the 
cenfures  of  the  church. 

CHAP.     XXL 

OJ  religious  worjliip,  and  the  Sabbath 

day. 

TH  E  light  of  nature  fheweth  that  there  is  * 
God,    who    hath    lordihip  and    fovereignty 
$%tr  ail }  is  good,  a&d  doeth  good  unto  all ;  and  is 

theruore 


X  ffoGmfcJt     rf  Fa-th.  Jl 

therefore  to  be  feared,  loved,  praifed,  called  i: 

din,  and  feived,  with  ail  the  heart,  and  with 
3  foul,  and  with  all  the  might.     But  the  ac- 

>  table  way  of  worshipping  the  true  G  i  u  ::  ti- 
tuted  by  himfelf,  and  fo  limited  b/  his  own  revealed 
will,  that  he  may  not  be  worth  d  according  tc 
the  imaginations  and  de  n^  or  the  fug- 

lions  of  Satan,  under  ar         :ble  rep  a, 

or  any  other  way  not  : :  %  Scrip- 

lure. 

II.  Religious  worfhip  is  to  be  given  to  God,  the 
Father,  Son.  and  Holy  Gho .  m  alone: 
not  to  angels,  faints  or  anyothr:     feature:  and 
fince  the  tail,  not  without  -                   ;  nor  in  the 
mediation  of  any  other  b           Qui         me. 

III.  Prayer,  with  thank  _  ig  one  fpe- 
cia"  part  of  religion          rfhip,  is   bi  Gjd  r  edi 
of  all  men  ;  and,  that  it  ma 

be  made  in  the  name  of  tne  Son  ftelp 

his  Spirit,  according  to  his  will,wrthundenla-id./. 
reverence,  hurnilir.         wency.  fail 
feverance  ;  and,  if  vocal,  in  a  kn  _  ic 

IV.  Prayer  is  to  be  made  lor  things  id,  and- 
for  ail  ferts  of  men  living,  or  that  (hall  live  hereaf- 
ter; but  not  for  the  dead,  nor  for  tho:  hour 
h  may  be  known- that  they  have  tinned  the  fin  ur. 
death.                                                           w       -       1 

V.  The  reading  of  the  fcriptores  with  godly 

he  found  preaching  and  confrionable  hear- 
ing of  the  word,  in  obedience  unto  God,  w  ith  ua- 
c  rftanding,  faith  and  reverence  ;  tinging  of  pfalrns 
with  grace  in  the  heart;  as  alio,  the  due  admini- 
fixation  and  worthy  receiving  of  the  facraments 
tinned  b  Chrifi  .  are  ail  parts  of  the  ordinary 
r:.:e  ;  worfhip  of  God :  befides  religious  oa*  is 
a~d  \qy\  s>  kxemn  fastings,  and  thank  g  ja 


j2  The  Confeffion  of  Faith.         Chap.  XXL 

fpecial  occafions,  which  are,  in  their  feveral  times 
and  feafons,  to  be  ufed  in  an  holy  and  religious 
manner. 

\  I.  Neither  prayer,  nor  any  other  part  of  reli- 
gious worfhip,  i-,  now  under  the  gofpe-i,  either  tied 
unto,  or  mueie  more  acceptable  by,  any  place  in 
i\hich  it  is  performed,  or  towards  which  it  is  di- 
rected: but  God  is  to  be  worihipped  every  were 
in  fpirit  and  in  truth;  as  in  private  families  daily, 
and  in  fecrct  each  one  by  himleli  ;  fo  more  folemn  y 
in  the  pi  blic  ailemblies,  which  are  not  c.relei  !y 
or  willfully  to  be  neglecS^d  or  lorfaktn,  when 
God,  by  his  woid  or  providence,  caiitih  tnere- 
unto. 

VII.  As  it  is  of  the  lawr  of  nature,  that,  in 
general,  a  due  proportion  of  time  be  let  apart  for 
theworthip  oi  God  ;  fo,  in  his  woid  by  a  pofitivc, 
r  oral  and  perpetual  commandment,  binding  all 
men  in  all  ages,  he  hath  particularly  appoir.ted  one 
day  in  ftven  ior  a  fabbath,  to  be  kept  holy  unio 
him:  which,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  to 
the  refurrtciion  of  Chrifl,  was  the  lait  day  of  the 
week;  and,  from  the  refurrection  of  Chi  ill,  was 
cl.angec  into  the  firft  day  ol  the  week,  which  in 
fcripturc  is  called  the  Lords  Day,  and  is  to  be 
continued  to  the  end  of  the  w  orld,  as  the  Cfniilian 
Sabbath. 

VIII.  This  fabba'h  is  then  kept  holy  unto  the 
Lord,  when  men,  ai  e  a  due  preparing  of  their 
hearts,  and  ordering  of  their  common  affairs  before- 
hand, do  not  only  obf  re  an  holy  reit  all  the  day 
fr<  m  their  own  woiks,  v\ords,  and  thoughts,  about 
their  worldly  employments  and  recreations;  bit 
alfo  are  taken  up  the  whole  time  in  the  pubac  and 
private  exercifes  of  his  woiihip,  and  in  the  duties 
oi  neccility  and  mercy. 

CHAP. 


Chap.  XXII.         The  Ciifejim  of  Faith.  33 

CHAP.     XXII. 

Of  lawful  Oaths  and  Vows. 

A  Lawful  oath  is  a  part  of  religious  worship* 
wherein  up  >n  jiift  occafion,  the  perfon  fwear- 
ing,  folemnly  calleth  G)d  to  witnefs  what  he  if- 
ferteth  or  promifeth  ;  and  to  judge  him  according 
to  the  truth  or  faHehood  of  what  he  fweareth. 

II.  The  name  of  God  only  is  that  by  which 
men  ought  to  fwear,  and  therein  it  is  to  be  ufed 
with  all  holy  fear  and  reverence  :  therefore  to  fwear 
vainly  or  rafhly  by  that  glorious  and  dreadful 
name,  or  to  fwear  at  all  by  any  other  thing,  is 
finful,  and  to  be  abhorred.  Yet  as,  in  matters  of 
weight  and  moment,  an  oath  is  warranted  by  the 
word  ofG>d  under  the  Ncw-TeftatiWrif,  aswefTas 
under  the  old  ;  fo  a  lawful  oath  being  impofed  by 
lawful  authority,  in  fuch  matters,  ought  to  be 
taken. 

III.  Whomever  taketh  an  oam  ought  duly  to 

conlider  the  weightinefs  of  fo  folemn  an  a£t>  and 

therein  to  avouch  nothing  but  what  he  is  rally  per- 

fuaded  is  the  truth.     Neither  mav  anv  man  bind 

j      .j 

himfeh  by  oath  to  anv  thins:  but  what  is  good  and 
juft,  and  what  he  belie veth  fo  to  be,  and  w  hat  he  is 
able  and  refolved  to  perform.  Yet  it  is  a  fin  to  refufe 
an  oath  touching  any  thing  that  is  good  and  juft, 
being  impofed  by  lawful  authority. 

IV.  An  oath  is  to  be  taken  hi  the  plain  and 
common  CenCe  of  the  words,  without  equivo- 
cation or  mental  refervation.  It  cannot  oblige  to 
fin;  but  in  anything  not  finful,  bein^-  taken,  it 
binds  to  performance,  although  to  a  man's  own 

hurt : 


3+  The  ConfeJJlcn  of  Faith,  Chap.   XXIIL 

hurt :  nor  is  it  to  be  violated,  although   made  to 
hcreticks  or  infidels. 

V.  A  vow  is  of  the  like  nature  with  a  promif- 
fory  oath,  and  ought  to  be  made  with  the.  like  re- 
ligious care,  and  to  be  performed  with  the  like 
faithfulnefs. 

VI.  It  is  not  to  be  made  to  any  creature,  but  to 
God  alone :  and  that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is  to 
be  made  voluntarily,  cut  of  faith,  and  confeience 
of  duty,  in  waj  of  thankfulnefs  for  mercy  re- 
ceived, or  for  obtaining  oi  -what  we  want ;  where- 
by we  more  ilricki)  bind  curfelvcs  to  neceifary  du- 
ties, or  to  other  things,  fo  far  and  fo  long  as  they 
may  fitly  conduce  thereunto. 

VII  No  man  may  vow  to  do  any  thing  forbid- 
den in  the  word  oi  God,  or  \\  hat  would  hinder 
any  duty  therein  commanded,  or  which  is  not  in 
his  own  power,  and  icr  the  perfoimance  whereof 
he  hath  no  promifeor  ability  from  God.  In  which 
iefpccts,  Popiih  monaftical  vows  of  perpetual  fin- 
gie  life,  proieiTcd  poverty,  and  regular  obedience, 
are  fo  far  from  being  degrees  oi  higher  perfection,, 
that  they  are  fuperflitions  and  finful  inaies,  in  which 
no  Chrifuan  may  entangle  himfclf. 

CHAP.     XXIIL 

CJ  the  Civil  Magi/Irate. 

C^  O  D,  the  fi  pre  me  Lord  and  King  of  all  the 
y  world,  hath  ordained  civil  magiitrates  to  be 
i  i  der  him  over  the  \  e<  pie,  for  his  own  glory  and 
the  public  good  j  and,  to  this  end,    hath    aimed 

tlu.ni    ' 


*Cftap.  XXIII.         The  Oonfejpn  of  Fa'tl.         35 

them  with  the  power  of  the  fvvord,  for  the  cbrence 
and  encouragement  of  th^m  that  are  gocd,  and  for 
the  punifliment  oi  evil-doers. 

II.  It  is  lawful  for  Chrutians  to  accept  and  exe- 
cute the  olrice  of  a  magi  (irate,  when  called  there- 
unto ;  in  the  managing  whereof,  as  they  ought 
efpecially  to  maintain  piety,  juftice  and  peace,  ac- 
cording to  the  wholefjme  laws  of  each  Common- 
wealth; fo,  for  that  end,  they  may  lawfully,  now 
-under  the  New  Ted  amen  t,  wage  war  upon  juil  and 
-necefary  oecafions. 

III.  Civil  Ma  gill  rates  may  not  afTume  to  them- 
Tclves  the   administration  or  the  word  and  facra- 

ments ;  or  the  power  of  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  Heaven;  or,  in  the  leaSt,  interfere  in  matters  of 
faith.  Yet,  as  nurfing  fathers,  it  is  the  duty  of 
civil  magistrates  to  protect  the  church  of  our  com- 
mon Lord,  without  giving  the, preference  toanyde- 
nomination  of  christians  above  the  ret,  in  fuch  a 
manner,  that  all  eccleiiaftical  perfons  whatever 
(hall  enjoy  the  full,  free,  and  unqueftioned  liberty 
~-of  discharging,  every  part  of  their  facred  functions, 
without  violence  or  danger.  And,  as  Jsfus  Chrift 
-hath  appointed  a  regular  government  and  difciplinc 
in  his  church,  no  law  of  any  Commonwealth, 
fhould  interfere  with,  let,  or  hinder,  the  due  exer- 
cife  thereof,  among  the  voluntary  members  of  crny 
denomination  of  christians,  according  to  their  own 
profeinon  and  belief.  It  is  the  duty  of  civil  magif- 
trates  to  protect  the  perfon  and  good  name  of  all  their 
people,  in  fuch  an  effectual  manner  as  that  no  per- 
son be  fuifered,  either  upon  pretence  of  religion  or 
of  infidility,  to  offer  any  indignity,  violence,  abufe, 
or  injury  to  any  other  perfon  whitfoever:  and  to 
take  order,  that  all  religious  and  ecclefiaflical  af- 
femblies  be  held  without  moleftation  or  distur- 
bance, IV.  It 


£6  TBe  Confiffm  of  Faith.        Chap.  XXIV. 

IV  It  is  the  duty  of  peophto  prny  for  ma^iftrates, 
to  honor  their  per foils,  to  pa v  them  tribute  and  oth^r 
dues,to  obey  their  law  iul  commands  and  to  be  fubje£t 
to  their  authority,  for  eonfLience'  fake.      Infidelity 
or  differ,  n  e  in  relieion,  doth  not  make  void  the 
rras'iftrate  s  juft  and  legal  asthority,   nor  frse  the 
perple  from  meir   due   obedience  to    hiin:    from 
which   ecc^enaitical    p-rrfons    are    not    exempted; 
rrt  ch  left  hath  the  Pope   my  power  or  jurrifdicli- 
en  over  them  in  their  dominions,  or    over   any  of 
their    people;  and  leaii  of  all  to  deprive  them    of 
their  dominions  or  lives,    if   he    fhall  judge  them 
to  be  hereticks,  or  upon  any  other  pretence  whatso- 
ever. 


CHAP.     XXIV. 

Of  Marriage  and  Divorce. 

MArriage  is  to  be  between  one  man  and  one 
wojT<an:  neither  is  it  lawful  ioranyman  to 
lave  more  than  one  wife,  nor  for  any  woman  to 
have  more  than  one  hi  ft  and,  at  the  fame  time. 

II.  M  rri  ge  was  ordained  for  the  mutual  help 
of  huflxmd  and  wife;  for  the  increafe  of  m  nkind 
Tvith  a  legitimate  iiiue,  and  of  the  church  with  an 
holy  ^cd  ;  and  tor  preventing  of  unclcanncfs. 

III.  It  islawu.l  for  all  forts  oi  people  to  mar- 
ry who  are  able  with  ji  dgnient  to  gi\e  their  con- 
fe  nt  ',  yet  it  is  the.duty  oi  ChrilHans  t:>  marry  only 
in  the  Lord.  And,  therefore,  fuch  as  proftfs  the 
truereiormed  religioij  (he  ujd  i  ot  marry  with  Inri- 
dds,  Papiite,  or  other    idolaters:    neither   Ihould 

iueh 


Chap.    XXIV.        The  Confejfion  of  laitk.         yj 

fuch  as  arc  godly  be  unequally  yoked,  by  marry- 
ing with  fuch  as  are  notorioufly  wicked  in  their 
life,  or  maintain  damnable  herefies. 

IV.  Marriage  ought  not  to  be  within  the  de- 
grees of  confanguinity  or  affinity  forbidden  in  the 
word  ;  nor  can  fuch  inceftuous  marriages  ever  be 
made  lawful  by  any  law  of  man,  or  confent  of 
parties,  fo  as  thofe  perfons  may  live  together,  as 
man  and  wife.  The  man  may  not  marry  any  of 
his  wife's  kindred  nearer  in  blood  than  he  ma}  of 
hb  own,  nor  the  woman  of  her  hufband's  kindred 
nearer  in  blood  than  of  her  own. 

V.  Adultery,  or  fornication,  committed  after 
a  contract,  being  detected  before  marriage,  giveth 
juft  occafiow,  to  the  innocent  party,  to  diifolve  that 
contract.  In  the  cafe  of  adultery  alter  marriage, 
it  is  lawful  for  the  innocent  party  to  fue  cut  a  di- 
vorce, and,  after  the  divorce,  to  marry  another, 
as  if  the  offending  party  were  dead. 

VI.  Although  the  corruption  of  man  be  fuch  as 
is  apt  to  ftudy  arguments,  unduly  to  put  afunder. 
thofe  whom  God  hath  joined  together  in  marriage; 
yet  nothing  but  adultery,  or  fuch  wilful  defertion 
as  can  no  way  be  remedied  by  the  church  or  civil 
magiftrate,  is  caufefufficicnt  of  diflblving  the  bond 
©f  marriage:  Wherein  a  publick  and  order!/ 
courfe  of  proceeding  is  to  be  obferved  ;  and  the 
perfons  concerned  in  it,  not  left  to  their  own  wills 
anddifcretion  in  their  own  cafe. 


1*  CHAP. 


j8  The  Confeffim  of  Faith.  Chap.  XX« 

CHAP.      XXV. 

0/  the  Church. 

TH  E  catholic!:  or  univerfal  church,  which  is 
invifible,  confifts  of  the  whole  number  of 
theelecl:,  that  hi.ve  been,  are,  or  ill  all  be  gathered 
into  one,  under  Chrift  the  head  thereof;  and  is 
the-  fpoufe,  the  body,  the  fulnefs  of  him  that  filleth 
ail  in  all. 

II.  The  vifible  church,,  which  is  a!fo  catholick 
or  univerfal  under  the  gofpel,  (not  confined  to  one 
nation,  as  before  under  the  law)  confifts  of  ail 
thofe  throughout  the  world*  that  profefs  the  true 
religion,  together  with  their  children;  and  is  the 
kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrilt,.  the  houfe  and 
family  of  God,  out  of  which  there  is  no  ordinal) 
poiTibihty  of  falvation. 

III.  Unto  this  catholick  vifible  church,  Chrilt 
hath  given  the  miniitry,  oracles,  and  ordinances  of 
God,  for  the  gathering  and  perfe&ing  of  the 
faints,  in  this  life,  to  the  end  of  the  world :  And', 
doth  by  his  awn  pre  fence  and  fpirit,  according  to 
hispromife,   make  them  efleclual  thereunto. 

IV.  This  catholick-  church  hath  been  fome- 
times  more,  fomc  times  lefs,  vifible,  And  particu- 
lar churches,,  which  are  members  thereof,  are 
more  or  lefs  pure,  according  as  the  dcclrine  of  the 
gofpel  is  taught  a^d  embraced,  ordinances  adminis- 
tered, and  publick.  woifLip  performed  more  or  lefs 
pi  rely  in  them. 

V.  The  prreft  churches  under  heaven  are  fuiy 
ic&  both  to  mixture  and  error  :  And  fomc  have  (o 
degenerated,  as  n  beet  me  no  churches  of  Chrilt, 
but  fynagogues  of  falan.  Nevertheless,  ihere 
r;  a1!  be  ah  av  a  church  unearth,  to  woifhip  God 
according  to  his  will.  .  Via. 


-Chip.   XXVI.         The  Confefflon  of  Faith.  39 

VI.  There  is  no  other  head  of  the  church  but 
ih^  Lord  Jeftis  Chriir.  Nor  can  the  Pope  ol 
R:me'm  any  fenf-  be  head  thereof;  but  is  that  an- 
tichrift,  that  man  of  fin,  and  fon  of  perdition, 
thatexalteth  himfelf,  in  the  church,  agai nit  Chriil, 
and  all  th;t  is  called  God. 

CHAP.     XXVL 

OJ  the  Communion  of  Saints. 

ALL  faints  that  are  united  to  Jefus  Chrift  their 
head,  by  his  fpirit  and  by  faith,  h.ve  fel- 
lowship with  him  in  his  graces,  fu*Fering?,  death, 
refurre&ion  and  glory  :  And,  being  united  to  one 
another  in  love,  they  have  communion  in  each 
others  gifts  and  graces  ;  and  are  obliged  to  the 
performance  of  fuch  duties,  publick  and  private, 
as  do  conduce  to  their  mutual  good,  both  in  the 
inward  and  outward  man* 

II.  S  ?ints,  by  profeflion,  are  bound  to  main- 
tain an  holy  fellowfhip  and  communion  in  the 
worfhip  of  God,  and  in  performing  fuch  other  fpi- 
ritual  fervices  as  tend  to  their  mutual  edification, 
as  alfo  in  relieving  each  other  in  outward  things, 
according  to  their  feveral  abilities  and  necelTities. 
Which  communion,  as  God  oftereth  opportunity, 
is  to  be  extended  unto  allthofewho,  in  every  place, 
-call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jefus. 

III.  This  communion  which  the  faints  have 
with  Chriil,  doth  not  make  them  in  any  wife 
^partakers  of  the  fubftance  of  his  godhead,  or  to  be 
equal  with  Chrift  in  any  refpecl: :  Either  of  which 
to  affirm,  is  impious  and  blafphemous.     Nor  doth 

D  2  their 


40         Ihe  ConfeJJlon  of  Faith.  Chap.  XXVII. 

their  communion  one  with  another,  as  faints, 
take  away,  or  infringe  the  title  or  property  which 
each  man  hath,  in  his  goods  and  poffelli  ons. 

■ 

CHAP.     XXVII, 

Of  the  Sacraments. 

SACRAMENTS  are  holy  fignsand  feals  of  the 
covenant  of  grace,  immediately  inftituted  by 
God,  to  reprefent  Chrift  and  his  benefits  ;  and  to 
confirm  our  interefl  in  him;  as  alfo  to  put  aviiible 
difference  between  thofe  that  belong  unto  the 
church,  and  the  reft  of  the  world;  and  folemnly 
to  engage  them  to  the  fervice  of  -God  in  Chrift, 
according  to  his  word. 

II.  There  is  in  every  Sacrament  a  fpiritual  re- 
lation,   or    facramental   union,     between  the  fign 
and  the  thing  fignified  ;  whence  it  comes  to   pais, 
that  the  names  and  effects  of  the  one,  are  attributed 
to  the  other. 

III.  The  grace  which  is  exhibited  in,  or  by,  the 
facraments,  rightly  ufed,  is  not  conferred  by  any 
power  in  them  ;  neither  doth  the  efficacy  oi  a  fa- 

(  rament  depend  upon  the  piety  or  intention  of  him 
that  doth  adminifter  it,  but  upon  the  work  oi  the 
fpirit,  and  the  word  of  inftitution,  which  con- 
ns, together  with  a  precept  authorifing  the  ufe 
thereof,  a  promife  of  benefit  to  worthy  receivers. 

IV.  There  be  only  two  facraments  ordained  by 
Chrift  our  Lord  in  the  gofpel,  that  is  to  fay,  Bap- 
tifito  and  the  Supper  of  the  Lord  :  neither  of 
v  hich  may  be  difpenfed  by  any,  but  by  a  minifter  ot 
the  word,  lawfully  ordained.  V.  1  he 


Chap.    XXVII.  The    Confeffion  of  Faith.       4-1 

V.  The  facraments  of  the  Old  Teftament,  in  re- 
gard of  the  fpiritual  things  thereby  fignified  and 
exhibited,  were,  for  fubftance,  the  fame  with 
thofe  of  the  new, 

J       %^       >»^        >»•<•        S...."        -h^»        >».'        •%.>■        \3        v_j?        V^-        •**>•        *.-'•        V     '—      ,•        W        'w-'        ^i 

CHAP.    XXVIII. 

Of  Baptifm. 

BAPTISM  is  a  facrament  of  the  New  Tefta- 
ment, ordained  by  Jefus  Chrift,  not  only 
for  the  folemn  admiilion  of  the  party  baptized  into 
the  vifiblc  church,  but  alfo  to  be  unto  him  a  fign 
and  feal  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  of  his  ingrafting 
into  Chrift,  of  regeneration,  of  remifnonof  fins, 
and  of  his  giving  up  unto  God,  through  J  efus  Chrift, 
to  walk  in  newnefs  of  life  :  which  facrament  is, 
by  Chrift's  own  appointment,  to  be  continued  in 
his  church  until  the  end  of  the  world. 

II.  The  outward  element  to  be  ufed  in  this  fa- 
crament is  water,  wherewith  the  party  is  to  hz 
baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  by  a  minifter  oi  the  gof- 
pel,  lawfully  called  thereunto. 

III.  Dipping  of  the  perfon  into  the  water  is 
not  neceffary ;  but  baptifm  is  rightly  adminiftered 
by  pouring,  or  fpiinkling  water,  upon  the  perfon. 

I V.  Not  only  thofe  that  do  actually  profefs  faith 
in  and  obedience  unto  Chrift,  but  alfo  the  infants 
of  one  or  both  believing  parents  areto  be  baptized. 

V.  Although  it  be  a  great  fin  to  contemn  or 
negleit  this  ordinance,  yet  grace  and  falvation  are 
not  fo  infeparably  annexed  unto  it,  as  that  no  per- 
fon can  be  regenerated  or  faved  without  it,  or  that 


42  The  Conftfion  of  Faith.  Chap.  XXI X, 

all  that  are,  baptized  are  undoubtedly,  regenerated. 

VI.  The  eiiicacy  of  baptifm  is  not  tied  to  that 
moment  of  time  wherein  it  is  adminiften  d  ;  yet 
notwithftanding,  by  the  right  ute  of  this  ordinance^ 
the  grace  promifed  is  not  only  offered,  but  really 
exhibited  and  conferred  by  the  Holy  Ghoit,  to 
fuch  (whether  of  age  or  infants)  as  that  grace  be- 
longeth  unto,  according  to  the  'counfel  of  God's 
own  will,  in  his  appointed  time. 

VII.  The  facrament  of  baptifm  is  but  once  t9 
be  adminiftered,  to  any  perfon. 

CHAP.     XXIX. 

Of  the  Lord's-  Supper. 

OUR  Lord  Jefus,   in  the  night  wherein  he  was 
betrayed,  inflituted  the  facrament  of  hm  body 
a  ivl  blood,  called  the  Lord's  Supper,  to  be  obferv- 
ed  in  his  church,  unto  the  end  of  the  world,  for  the 
perpetual  remembrance  of  the  facrifice  of   himfelf 
in  his  death,  the  fealing  all  benefits  thereof   unto 
true    believers,    their    fpiritual    nourifhment    and 
growth  in  him,  their  further  engagement  in,  and  to 
all  duties  which  they  owe  unto  him;  and    to    be  a 
bond  and  pledge  of  their  cemmunion  with  him  \ 
and  with  each  other,  as  members  ot  his  myftical  body. 
II.   In   this  facrament   Chrift  is  not  offered  up 
to  his  Father,  nor  any  real  facrifice  made  at  all  ior 
remiflion    of  fins  of  the  quick    or  dead  \  but  only 
a  commemoration  of  that  once  offering  up  of  him- 
Ielf,  by  himfelf,  upon  the  crofs,  once  ior  all,   and 
a  fpiritual  oblation  of  all  poilible  praife  unto  God 
ior  the  fame  ;  fb  that  the  Popifh   facrifice  of  the 
mafs,  as  they  call  it,  is  mod  abominably  injurious 
to  Chriit's  one  only  facrifice,  the  alone  propitiation 
«v   all  the  fins  of  the  Elect.  III.   f  i; 


Chap.  XXIX.         TbeCmfeffion  of  F  aith.         43 

III.  The  Lord  Jefus  hath,  in  this  ordinance, 
appointed  his  rninifters  to  declare  his  word  of  m- 
Jtitutioitto  the  people,  to  pray,  and  blefs  the  ele- 
ments of  bread  and  wine,  and  thereby  to  fet  them 
apart  from  a  common,  to  an  holy  ufe  ;  and  to  take 
and  break  the  br»  ad,  to  take  the  cup,  and  (they 
Communicating  alfo  themfelves',)  to  give  both  to 
the  communicants;  but  to  none  who  are  not  then 
pre  feat  in  the  congregation. 

IV.  Private  maifes,  or  receiving  this  facrament 
by  a  prieit  or  any  other,  alone  ;  as  likewife  the 
denial  of  the  cup  to  the  people;  worfhipping  the 
elements,  the  lifting  them  up,  or  carrying  them 
about  for  adoration,  and  the  referving  them  for 
any  pretended  religious  ufe;  are  all  contrary  to  the 
nature  of  this  facrament,  and  to  the  inititution  of 
Chrift. 

V.  The  outward  elements,  in  this  facrament,  duly 
fet  apart  to  the  ufes  ordained  by  Chrift,  have  fuch 
relation  to  him  crucified,  as  that  truly-,  yet  fucra- 
mentally  only,  they  are  fometimes  called  by  the 
name  of  the  things  they  reprefent,  to  wit,  the  body 
and  blood  of  Chrift ;  albeit,  in  fubitance  and  na- 
ture, they  ftill  remain  truly,  and  only,  bread,  and 
wine,  as  they  were  before. 

VI.  Th:>t  doctrine  which  maintains  a  change 
of  the  fubftance  of  bread  and  wine  into  the  fub- 
ftance  of  ChrilVs  body  and  blood  (commonly  called 
Tranfubftantiation)  by  confecration  of  a  prieft,  or 
by  any  other  way,  is  repugnant  not  to  fcripturc 
alone,  but  even  to  common  fenfe  andreafon;  over- 
throweth  the  nature  of  the  facrament ;  and  hath 
been  and  is  the  caufe  of  manifold  fuperftitions,  yea, 
of  grofs  idolatries. 

VII.  Worthy  receivers,  outwardly  partaking 
#f  the  vifible  elements  in  this  facrament,  do  then 

alf* 


44  The  Confe£hn  of  faith*         Chap.  XXIX. 

alfo  inwardly  by  faith,  really  and  indeed,  yet  not 
carnally  and  corporally,  but  fpiritually,  receive 
and  feed  upon  Chrift  crucified,  and  all  benefits  of 
his  death  :  the  body  and  blood  of  Chriil  being  then 
not  corporally  or  carnally  in,  with,  or  under  the 
bread  and  wine;  yet  as  really,  but  fpiritually,  pre- 
fent  to  the  faith  of  believers  in  that  ordinance,  as  -. 
the  elements  themfelves  are,  to  their  outward  fenfes. 
VIII.  Although  ignorant  and  wicked  men  re- 
ceive the  outward  elements  in  this  facrament,  yet 
they  receive  not  the  thing  iignified  thereby  ;  but  by 
their  unworthy  coming  thereunto  are  guilty  of  the 
body  and  blood  of  the  Lord,  to  their  own  damna- 
tion. W  herefore  all  ignorant  and  ungodly  per  fons,  as 
they  are  unfit  to  enjoy  communion  with  him,  fo  arc 
they  unworthy  of  the  Lord's  table,  and  cannot, 
without  great  fin  againfl:  Chriil,  while  they  remain 
fuch,  partake  of  the fe holy  myiteries,  or  be  admitted 
thereunto. 

<^o>-> •>  >->••>•  >•■>>•■►-•►•■>->••>■  >  *  > ■■*' >■  4* •<••< •<•  <  ■<■  «  *  *  * <-<~< •<  <  •<-  «c^> 

CHAP.     XXX. 

Of  Church  Cenfures. 

"HHHE  Lord  Jefus,  as  kingandheadof  hischurch, 
JL     hath  therein  appointed  a  government  in  the 
hand  of  church-officers,  diftincl  from  the  civil  ma- 
gi ft  ate. 

II.  To  thefe  officers  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  are  committed,  by  virtue  whereof  they 
have  power  refpcdliveiy  to  retain  and  remit  fins* 
to  (hut  that  king  lorn  againfl:  the  impenitent,  both 
by  the  word  and  cenfures;  and  to  open  it  unto 
penitent  itnners,  by  the  miniftry  of  the  gofpel,  and 
bv  absolution  from  cenfures,  as  occafion  (hall 
require.  III.   Church 


Chap,   XXXI.  The  Ccnfejjis?:  of  Fair?.  45 

III.  Church  cenfures  are  ncceflary  for  the  re- 
claiming   and  gaining  of  offending brethcrn ;  for 

deterringof  others  from  like  offences;  for  pur-  g  ut 
of  that  leaven  which  might  iniecl  the  whole  lump  ; 
for  vindicating  the  honour  or  Chrift,  and  the  h< 
profeihon  of  the  gofpel ;  and  for  preventing  the 
wrath  of  God,  which  might  juftly  fall  upon  the 
church,  if  they  inould  furTer  this  covenant,  and  the 
Js  thereof,  to  be  profaned  by  notorious  and  ob- 
ftinate  offenders. 

IV.  For  the  better  attaining  of  thefe  ends,  the 
oncers  of  the  Church  are  to  proceed  by  admoni- 
tion, fufpenfion  .rjm  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's 

oper  ior  a  ieafon,  and  by  excommunication  from 
:  church,  according  to   the  nature  of  the  crime, 
and  demerit         le  perfdh. 


r  T rr* f"T  y' 'T7 1 


VLsrVyTc 


C  H  A  P.     XXXI. 

Of  Sj/icds  and  Councils. 

FOR  the  better  government  and  further  edifica- 
tion of  the  Church,  there  ought  to  be  fuch 
Aifemblies  as  are  commonly  called  Synods  orCoun- 
cils  :  and  it  belongeth  to  the  overfeers  and  other 
rulers  of  the  particular  Churches,  by  virtue  of  their 
Rce,  and  the  power  which  Chrift  hath  given  them 
for  edification,  and  not  for  deilruclion,  to  appoint 
fuch  a.Iemblies;  and  to  convene  together  in  them, 
as  often  as  they  (hall  judge  it  expedient  for  the 
go  xl  01  the  Church, 

II.  It  bel  10 is  and  Councils,  minifte- 

riallv,  to  determine  controverfies  oi  faith,  and  cafes 
:  confeience  ;  to  let  down  rules  and  directions  for 
'•  the  better  ordering  of  the  publick  worihip  of  God, 

and 


46  The  Co*J*]Jf<M  of  Faith.       Chap.  XXXII. 

and  govcmmet  of.  his  church;  to  receive  complaints 
in  cafes  of  m.d-adminiflration,  and  authoritatively 
to  determine  the  fame  :  which  decrees  and  deter- 
minations, if  confonant  to  the  word  of  God,  are 
to  be  received  with  reverence  and  fubmiffion,  not 
only  for  their  agreement  with  the  word,  but  alio 
for  the  power  whereby  they  are  made,  as  being  an 
ordinance  of  God,  appointed  thereunto  in  his 
word. 

III.  All  fynods  or  councils  fince  the  apoftle's 
^times,  wrhether  general  or  particular,  may  err,  and 

many  have  erred  ;  therefore  they  are  not  to  be 
imde  the  rule  of  faith  or  practice,  but  to  be  ufed 
as  an  help  in  both. 

IV.  Synods  and  councils  are  to  handle  or  ccn- 
elude  nothing,  but  that  which  is  ecclefiafiical :  ..nd 
are  not  to  intermeddle   with  civil  affairs,   which 

-concern  the  Commonwealth,  unkfs  by  w  ay  of 
humble  petition,  in  cafes  extraordinary;  or  by 
way  of  advice  for  fat isf action  of  confeience,  if  they 
be  thereunto  required  by  the  civil  magiftrate. 

CHAP.     XXXII. 

Of  the  State  of  Man  aftrr  Death,  and 
of  the  Refurredionfrom  the  Dead. 

THE  bodies  of  men,  after  death,  return  tc» 
dud,  and  fee  corruption  \  but  their  fouls, 
(which  neither  die  nor  deep)  'having  an  immortal 
fubfiftence,  immediately  return  to  God  who  gave 
them.  The  fouls  of  the  righteous,  being  then 
m.dc  perfeft  in  holinefs,  are  received  into  the 
highcfl  heavens,   -whets  they  :behold  the  fcce  oi 

G< 


Ghap.   XXXriI.       The  Cvftjjiin  of  Faith.       4f 

God  in  light  and  glory, 'waiting  for  the  full  re- 
demption of  their  bodies:  And  the  fouls  of  the 
wicked  are  call  into  hell,  where  they  remain  in 
torments,  and  utter  darknefs,  reierved  to- the  judg- 
ment of  the  great  day.  Befides  thefe  two  places 
for  fouls  feparated  from  their  bodies,  the  feriptupe 
acknowledged  none.- 

II.  At  the  lull  day,  fuchas  are  found" -alive  (halt 
not  die,  but   be  changed:  And  all  the  de:>d  (lull 
be  raifedup  with  the  ielf-fame  bodies,,  and   hooq 
other,    although    with  different    qualities*,   which** 
fhall  be  united  a^ain  to  their  fouls  ror  ever. 

III.  The  bodies  of  the  uryuft  (ball,  by- the  paw-r 
•r  of  Chrift,  be  raifed  to  difhenour  ;t  he  bodies  o£ 
the  juft,  by  his  fpirit,  unto  hanour,and  be  made  con^- 
formable  to  his  own  glorious  bodyw- 

C  £L  A  P.     XXXIIL 

Of  the  laJL  Judgment. 

GOD  hath  appointed  a  day,  .wherein  he  wilt 
judge  the  world  in  righteoufnefs  by  Jefus 
Ghrift,  to  whom  all  power  and  judgment  is  given 
of  the  father..  In  which  day,  not  only  the  apof- 
t?.te  angels  mall  be  judged \  hut  likewife  all  per- 
fons,  that  have  lived  upon  earth,  ihall  appear  be- 
fore the  tribunal  ofChrift,  to  give  an  account  of  * 
their  thoughts,  words  and  deeds;  and  to  receive 
according  to  what  they  have  done  irv  the  body, 
whether  good  or  evil. 

II.  The  end  of  God's  appointing  this  day  is  for 
the  manifeftatioH  of  the  glory  of  his  mercy,  in  the 
e-tern  .1  lalvation  of  theelecl  ;  and  of  his  juilice,  in 
thv>.  damnation  of  the   reprobate,. who  are  wicked 

and 


48  The  Confeffion  of  Faith.       Chap.   XXXIII. 

and  difobcdient.  For  then  fhall  the  righteous  go 
into  evei  lailing  life,  and  receive  that  fulnefs  of  joy 
and  refreshing  which  fhall  come  from  the  prefence 
of  the  Lord  :  But  the  wicked,  who  know  not  God, 
and  obey  not  the  gofpel  of  Jefus  Chrift,  fhall  be 
caft  into  eternal  torments,  and  be  puniihed  with 
everlafting  definition  from  the  prefence  of  the 
Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power. 

III.  As  Chrifl  would  have  us  to  be  certainly 
perfuaded  that  there  fhall  be  a  day  of  judgment, 
both  to  deter  all  men  from  fin,  and  for  the  greater 
confolation  of  the  godly  in  their  adverfity  :  So 
will  he  have  that  day  unknown  to  men,  that  they 
may  fhake  off  all  carnal  fecurity,  and  be  always 
watchful,  becaufe  they  know  not  at  what  hour  the 
Lord  will  come;  and  maybe  ever  prepared  to  fay, 
come,  Lord  Jefus,  come  quickly,     Amen. 


f   i   n   i   s. 


^^^^^^^^^P^z^^P^^^^^^ 


THE 


LARGERCATECHISM, 


Ratified  and  adopted 


ET    TBI 


SYNOD  of  New-  York  ^Philadelphia; 

Held  at  Philadelphia,  May  the  1 6th  1788,  and  continued   by 
Adjournment!  until  tke  »8th  of  the  fame. 


THE 


LARGER  CATECHISM. 


tyiefHon  I.   TJ/HATis  the  chief  and  highejt  end 

of  man  ? 

Afijwer.  Man's  chief  and  higheft  end  is  to  glo- 
rify God,  and  fully  to  enjoy  him  for  ever. 

Q^  2.   How  doth  it  appear  that  there  is  a  God  P 

A.  The  very  light  of  nature  in  man,  and  the 
works  ot  God  declare  plainly  that  there  is  a  God  ; 
but  his  word  and  fpirit,  only  do,  fudiciently  and  ef- 
fectually reveal  him  unto  men  for,  their  fal  nation. 

Q^  3.  What  is  the  word  of  God? 

A.  The  holy  fcriptures  of  the  Old  and  New1 
Testament  are  the  word  of  God,  the  only  rule  of 
raith  and  obedience, 

Q^  4..  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  fcriptures  .ire 

.  w:rd  of  God  ? 

iA.  The  fcriptures  manifeit  themfelves  to  be  the 
vo;d  of  God,  by  their  rmjeiiy,  and  purity  \  by 
he  confent  of  all  the  parts,  and  the  fcope  of  the 
vhole,  which  is  to  give  all  glory  to  God  j  by  their 
g  .t  and  power  to  convince  and  convert  iinners,  to 
onifort  and  build  up  believers  unto  falvation  :  But 
le  fpirit  of  God  bearing  witnefs  by  and  with  ths 

E  2  fcriptures 


52  The  Larger  Catechifnt. 

fcriptures  in  the  heart  of  man,  is  alone  able  fully 
toperfuade  it  that  thej  are  the  very,  word  of  God. 

Q.   5.  fVhat  do  the  fcriptures  principally  teach  ? 

A,  The  fcriptures  principally  teach,  what  man 
is  to  believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God 
requires  of  man. 


What  Man  ought  to  believe  concerning 

God. 

(^  6.  What  do  the  fcriptures  male  known  of  God  ? 

A.  The  fcriptures  make  known  what  God  is* 
the  perfons  in  the  godhead,  his  decrees,  and  the 
execution  of  his  decrees. 

Q.  7.   What  is  God? 

A.  God  is  a  fpirit,  in  and  of  himfelf  infn 
in  being,  glory,  bleffednefs,  and  perfection  ;  all- 
fufficient,  eternal,  unchangeable,  incomprehenfible, 
everywhere  prefent,  Almighty,  knowing  all  thing-, 
moil  wife,  moil,  holy,  moll:  juit,  moil  merciful 
and  gracious,  long- fullering,  and  abundant  in  gcod- 
flefs  and  truth. 

Q^  8.  Are  there  more  Gcds  than  one? 

A*  Th:re  is  but  one,  only,  the  living  and  true 
God. 

Q^  9.  Hqw  many perj rcns are  there  in  the  Godhead? 

A.  There  be  three  perfons  in  the  Godhead,  t 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghoil ;  and  thefe 
three  are  «ne   true,  eternal  God,  the  fame  in  f^b- 
ilance,  equal  in   power   and  glory  ;  although    dif- 
tinguifhed  by  their  perfonal  properties. 

(^.10.  IVhat  are  the  perfonal  properties  of  the 
three  perfons  in  the  Godhead  r 

A.  It  is  proper  to  the  lather  to  beget  the  fon,  and 
to  the  fon  to  be  begotten  of  the   father,  and  to  1 

Holy 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  53 

Holy  Ghoft  to  proceed  from  the  father  and  the  fon, 
from  all  eternity. 

Q.  11.  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  fon  and  the 
Holy  Ghoft  are  God  equal  with  the  father  ? 

A.  The  fcriptures  manifeft  that  the  fon  and  the 
Holy  Ghoft  are  God  equal  with  the  father,  a- 
fcribing  unto  them  fuch  names,  attributes,  works, 
and  worfhip,  as  are  proper  to  God  only. 

Q^  1 2.  What  an  the  decrees  of  God? 

A.  God's  decrees  are  the  wife,  free,  and  holy 
acts  of  the  counfel  ef  his  will,  whereby,  from 
all  eternity,  he  hath,  for  his  own  glory,  unchange- 
ably lere-ordained  whatfoever  comes  to  pafs  in 
time,  efpecially  concerning  angels  and  men. 

Q^  13.  JVhat  hath  God  efpecially  decreed  concern* 
ing  angels  and  men  ? 

A.  God,  by  an  eternal  and  immutable  degree, 
out  of  his  mere  love,  for  the  praife  ot  his  glorious 
giace,  to  be  manifefted  in  due  time,  hath  elected 
feme  angels  to  glory  ;  and  in  Chrift  hath  chofen 
fome  men  to  eternal  life  and  the  means  thereof: 
And  alfo,  according  to  his  fovereign  power,  and 
the  unfearchable  counfel  of  his  own  will  (whereby 
he  extendeth  or  withholdeth  favour  as  he  pleafeth) 
hath  paiFed  by,  and  fore- ordained  the  reft  to  dif- 
honour  and  wrath,  to  be  for  their  fin  infli&ed, 
to  the  praife  of  the  gloiy  of  his  juftice. 

Q.  1 4.   How  doth  God  execute  his  decrees  P 

A,  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  cf 
ere  tion  and  providence;  according  to  his  infaU 
Lble  foreknowledge,  and  the  free  and  immutable 
counfel  of  his  own  will. 

Q^  1 5.   What  is  the  work  of  creation  ? 

A.  The  work  of  creation  is  that  wherein  God 
did  in  the  beginning,  by  the  word  of  his  power, 
make  of  nothing   the  world  and  all  things  therein 

E  3  for 


54  5"£*  Larger  Catechljm. 

for  himfelf,  within  the   fpace  of  fix  days,  and  all 
very  good. 

Qj.  1 6.  How  did  God  create  angels  ? 

A.  God  created  all  the  angels,  fpirits,  immortal^ 
holy,  excelling  in  knowledge,  mighty  in  power, 
to  execute  his  commandments,  and  to  praife  his- 
name,  yet  fubjeft  to  change. 

Q^  i  7.   Hw  did  God  create  man  ? 

A.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures,  he 
created  man  male  and  female  ;  formed  the  body 
of  the  man  of  the  duft  of  the  ground,  and  the  wo- 
man of  the  rib  of  the  man  \  endued  them  with 
living,  reasonable,  and  immortal  iouls ;  made 
them  after  his  own  image,  in  knowledge,  right- 
eoumefs  and  holinefs,  having  the  law  of  God 
written  in  their  hearts,  and  power  to  fulfil  it,  with 
dominion  over  the  creatures  ;  yet  fubje£t  to  fall. 

Q^  18.  IVhat  are  Ged's  works  of  Providence  ? 

A.  God's  works  of  providence  are  his  moft 
holy,  wife,  and  powerful  prefeivmg,  and  govern- 
ing all  his  creatures  ;  ordering  them,  and  all  their 
actions,  to  his  own  glory. 

Q^  19.  What  is  God's  providence  towards  the  An 
gels  f 

A.  God  by  his  Providence  permitted  fome  of  the 
angels,  wilfully  and  irrecoverably,  to  fall  into  fin 
and  damnation,  limiting  and  ordering  that  and  all 
their  fins  to  his  own  glory  ;  and  eft;  bliftied  the  reft 
in  holinefs  and  happinefs  ;  imploying  them  all,  at 
his  pleafure,  in  the  adminiilralious  of  his  power, 
mercy,  and  juftice. 

Q^2o.  Wt:at  was  tie  providence  of  God  toward 
man  in  the  ejlate  in  which  he  was  ereated? 

A.  The  providence  of  God  toward  man  in  the 
ellatc  in  which  he  was  created,  was,  the  placing 
him  in  Paradife,  appointing  him  to  drefs  it,  giving 

hirn 


The  Larger  Catechiffiu  55 

him  liberty  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  earth,  putting 
the  creatures  under  his  dominion,  and  ordaining 
marriage  for  his  help  ;  affording  him  communion 
with  himfelf,  rnffitMmg  the  fabbath,  entring  into 
a  covenant  of  life  with  him,  upon  condition  of  per- 
fonal,  perfect,  and  perpetual  obedience,  of  which 
the  tree  of  life  was  a  pledge ;  and  forbidding  to 
eat  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil* 
upon  the  pain  ol  death. 

Q.  2 1 .  Did  man  continue  in  that  ejfate  wherein 
God  at  firjl  created  him  f 

A,  Our  firft  parents  being  left  to  the  freedom  oi 
their  own  will,  through  the  temptation  of  Satan, 
tr2.nfgre(Ted  the  commandment  of  God,  in  eating 
the  forbidden  fruit,  and  thereby  fell  from  the  eitate 
of  innocency  wherein  they  were  created. 

Q^  22.  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  that  firf  tranf- 
grejjion? 

A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adamy  as  a 
public  perfon,  not  for  himfelf  only,  but  for  his 
pofterity  ;  all  mankind  defcending  from  him  by  or- 
dinary generation,  finned  in  him,  and  fell  with 
him  in  that  firft  tranfgrefiion. 

CK  23.  Into  ivbat  eft  ale  did  the  fall  bring  man- 
kind? 

A.  The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  eftate  of 
fin  andmifery. 

Q^  24.  What  is  Jin? 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  tranE- 
grellion  of  any  law  of  God,  given  as  a  rule  to  the 
reafonable  creature. 

CX  25.  Wl?erein  conjijls  the  Jinfulnefs  of  that  ejlate 
wherein  to  man  fell? 

A,  The  finfulnefs  of  that  eflate  whereinto  man 
fell,  coniifteth  in  the  guilt  of  Adam's  firft  fin,  the 

ant  of  that  righteoufnefs  wherein  he  was  created; 

and 


56 


The  Larger  Catechifm. 


and  the  corruption  of  his  nature,  whereby  he  is  ut- 
terly indifps>fed,  di fabled,  and  made  oppofite  unto 
all  that  is  fpiritually  good,  and  wholly  inclined  to 
all  evil,  and  that  continually  \  which  is  commonly 
called  original  fin>  a*d  from  which  do  proceed  all 
actual  tjrantgrelfions. 

Q^  26.  How  is  original  Jin  conveyed  from  our  firji 
parents  unto  their  pojierity  r 

A.  Original  fm  is  conveyed  irom  our  firft  pa* 
jfents  unto  their  pollerity  by  natural  generation,  fc 
as  all  that  proceed  from  them  in  that  way,  are  con- 
ceived and  born  in  fin. 

Ch  £7.  IVhat  ?nijery  did  the  fall  bring  upon  man* 
kind  i' 

A.  The  fall  brought  upon  mankind  the  lofs  of 
communion  with  God,  his  difpleafure  and  curfe  ; 
fo  as  we  are  by  nature  children  of  wrath,  bond 
flaves  to  Satan,  and  juftly  lir.ble  to  all  punifhments 
in  this  world  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

Q^  28.  What  are  the  punifhments  of  Jin  in  this 
Woild? 

A.  The  punifhments  of  fin  in  this  world,  arc 
either  inward,  as  blindnefs  of  mind,  a  reprobate 
fenfe,  ftrong  dtiufions,  hardnefs  of  heart,  horror 
of  conscience,  and  vile  affections  :  Or  outward,  as 
the  curie  of  God  upon  the  cieatures  for  our  fakes  ; 
and  all  other  evi]s  that  beial  us  in  our  bodies, 
rams,  cftates,  relation?,  and  employments ;  to- 
grth.r  vnh  death  itfclf. 

Q^  29.  IVlat  are  the  punljhments  of  Jin  in  the 
w:rtu  to  come  ? 

A.  "1  he  punifhments  of  fin  in  the  world  tc 
come,  are,  everlafti  reparation  from  the  com- 
fortablc  prefence  of  God,  and  mod  grievous  tor- 
ments in  foul  and  body,  without  inttnnnlion,  in 
hell  fire  for  ever, 

0.30. 


The  Larger  Cateehifm.  57 

Q^  30.   Doth  Gsd leave  all  mankind  to  perijh  in  the 
HI  ate  of  Jin  and  mifery  ? 

A.  God  doth  not  leave  all  men  to  perifh  in  the 
eftate  of  fin  ani  mifery,  into  which  they  fell  by  the 
breach  of  the  firfl  covenant,  commonly  called  the 
covenant  of  works:  But  of  his  mere  love. and 
mercy  delivered!  his-  elect  out  of  it,  and  bringeth 
thein  into  an  eftate  of  falvation  by  the  fecond  co* 
Tenant,  commonly  called  the  covenant  of  grace. 
Qj,  3 1 .  PVtth  whom  was  the  covenant  of  grace  made  ? 
A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  made  with  Chrift 
as  the  fecond  Adam,  and  in  him  with  all  the  ele£l 
as  his  feed. 

Qj.  32.   Hr^j  Is  the  grace  of  God  manifested  in  the 
fecond  covenant  P 

A:  The  grace  of  God  is  maaifefied  in  the  fe- 
cond .;it,  in  that  he  freely  prqvideth  and  of- 
rfereth  to  dinners  a  mediator,  and  life  and  falvation 
by  him  ;  and  requiring  faith  as  the  Condition  to 
intereit  them  in  him,  promifeth  aad'giveth  his 
holy  fpirit  to  all  his  elefi,  to  work  in  them  that 
faith,  with  aH  other  faving  graces  ;  and  to  enable 
them  unto  ail  holy  obedience,  as  the  evidence  of 
the  truth  of  their  tajth,  and  thankrulnefs  to  God, 
and  as  the  way  which  he  hath  appointed  them  to 
falvation. 

Q_.  33*  Was  the  covenant  of  grace  always  ad;rii- 
riijlered  after  one  and  the  (a  lie  manner  f 

A,  The  covenant  of  grace  ,w+s  not  alvvr/s  admi- 
niftered  after  the  fame  manner,  bat  the  ad-riiniitra- 
tions  of  it  under  the  old  Tedament  were  diiF^rent 
from  thofe  under  the  nevt. 

Qj  34-  How  was  the  covenant  of  grace  ad.nlmfcered 
under  the  sld  Tejlament  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  administered 
tinder  the  old  Teflameht,  by  promii 

facrificcsj 


53 


The  Larger  Catechifm, 


facrificcs,  circumciiion,  the  pafTover,  and  othef 
types  and  ordinances  \  which  did  all  forefignif/ 
Chriii  then  to  come,  and  were  for  that  time  fuffi- 
cient  to  build  up  the  elecl:  in  faith  in  the  promifed 
Meifiah,  by  whom  they  then  had  full  rcmiflion  of 
fin  and  eternal  falvation. 

Q.  35.  How  is  the  covenant  of  grace  adminijiered 
under  tl.e  New  Tejiament  f 

A.  Under  the  New  Teftmnent,  when  Chrifl 
the  fubilance  was  exhibited,  the  fame  covenant  of 
grace  was  and  ftill  is  to  be  adminiftered  in  the 
preaching  ot  the  word,  and  the  adminiftration  of 
the  facraments  of  baptifm  and  the  Lord's  fupper; 
in  which  grace  and  falvation  are  held  forth  in  more 
fulnefs,  evidence  and  efficacy  to  all  nations. 

Q_  36.  IV ho  is  the  mediator  of  the  covenant  of  grace  ? 

A.  The  only  mediator  of  the  covenant  of  grace 
is  the  Lord  Jefus  Chriit,  who  being  the  eternal 
Son  of  Gcd,  of  one  fubflance  and  equal  with  the 
father,  in  the  fulntfs  of  time  became  man,  and 
fo  was  and  continues  to  be  God  and  man  in  two 
entire  aiitinxSl  natures,  and  one  perfon  for  ever. 

Qj  37.  How  did  Chrijit  biing  the  Son  of  God \  be* 
come  man  ? 

A.  Chrift  the  Son  of  God  became  man,  by 
taking  to  himfelf  a  true  body,  and  a  reafonable 
foul,  being  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghoft,  in  the  womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  of  her 
fubflance,  and  bora  of  her,  yet  without  fin. 

Q^  38.  PVhy  was  it  requifitt  that  the  mediator 
Jhoula  ot  Hod  t 

A.  It  was  requifite  that  the  mediator  fhould  be 
God,  that  he  might  fuftain  and  keep  the  human 
nature  from  finking  u*id?r  the  infinite  wrath  of 
God,  and  the  power  of  death  ;  give  worth  and 
efficacy  to  his  futferings,   obedience,  and  intercef- 

fion  i    , 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  59 

Son  ;  and  to  fatisfy  God's  juftice,  procure  his  fa- 
vour, purchafe  a  peculiar  people,  give  his  fpirit  to 
them,  conquer  all  their  enemies,  and  bring  them 
to  everlafting  falvation. 

Q^  39.  Why  was  it  requifite  that  the  Mediator 
fhould  be  man  ? 

A.  It  was  requifite  that  the  mediator  fhould  be 
man,  that  he  might  advance  out  nature,  perform 
obedience  to  the  law,  furFer  and  make  interceflion 
for  us  in  our  nature,  have  a  fellow-feeling  of  our 
infirmities  ;  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of 
fons,  and  have  comfort  and  accefs  with  boldnefs 
unto  the  throne  of  grace. 

Q^  40.  Why  was  it  requifite  that  the  mediator 
fhould  be  G$d  and  man  in  one  perfon  ? 

A.  It  was  requifite  that  the  mediator,  who  was 
to  reconcile  God  and  man,  fhould  himfelf  be  both 
God  and  man,  and  this  in  one  perfon  ;  that  the 
proper  wrorks  of  each  nature  might  be  accepted 
of  God  for  us,  and  relied  on  by  us,  as  the  works 
of  the  whole  perfon. 

Q^  4.1 .   Why  was  our  mediator  caV.ed  Jefus  ? 
A*   Our  mediator  was  called  Jefus,  becaufe  he 
faveth  his  people  from  their  fins. 

Q^  42.  Why  was  our  mediator  called  Chrift  ? 
A.  Our  mediator  was  called  Chrijt,  becaufe  he 
was  anointed  with  the  Holy  Ghoft  above  meafure  ; 
and  fo  fet  apart,  and  fully  furnifhed  with  all  au- 
thority and  ability,  to  execute  the  offices  of  pro- 
phet, prieft,  and  king  of  his  church,  in  the  eftate 
both  of  his  humiliation  and  exaltation. 

Q±  43-  How  doth  Chrijl  execute  the  effice  of  a 
Prof  heir 

A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet,  in 
his  revealing  to  the  church  in  all  ages,  by  his  fpirit 
and  word,  in  divers   ways  of  adminiftration,  the 

whole 


6o 


The  larger  Catechifm. 


Tthole  will  of  God,  in  all  things  concerning  their 
edification  and  falvation. 

Q.  44.  How  doth  Chrifl  execute  tie  cfflce  of  a 
Pricji  ? 

A.  Chrift  executed  the  offce  of  a  prieft,  in  his 
ence  offering  himfelf -a  facrifice  without  fpot  to 
God,  to  be  a  reconciliation  for  the  fins  of  his  peo- 
ple ;  and  in  making  continual  interceflion  for  them. 

Q^  45 .  Hew  doth  Chrifl,  execute  the  office  of  a  King  P 

A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  king,  in  call- 
ing out  of  the  world  a  people  to  himfelf;  and 
giving  them  offcers,  laws,  and  cenfures,  by  which 
he  viiibly  go\ ems  them;  in  beftowingfaving  grace 
upon  his  eUcl,  rewarding  their  obedience,  and 
correcting  them  for  their  fins,  prefening  and  fup- 
portingthem  under  all  their  temptations  ?nd  fuf- 
ierings,  retraining  and  overcoming  all  their  ene- 
mies, and  powerfully  ordering  all  things  for  his 
ov>n  glory,  and  their  good;  and  alfo  in  taking 
vengeance  on  the  reft,  who  know  not  God,  and 
obey  not  the  gofpel. 

Q^  4  6 .   PI  hat  was  the  eflate  of  CI  ri/Fi  humiliation  ? 

A.  The  eilate  of  Chriil's  humiliation  was  that 
low  condition,  whefeia  he,  for  our  fakes,  empty- 
ing himfelf  of  his  glory,  took  upon  him  the  form 
of  a  fervant,  in  his  conception  and  birth,  life, 
death,  and  after  his  death  until  his  refune£Hon. 

Q^  47.  Hew  aid  Chri/l  humble  himfelf  in  his  con* 
option 'end  birth  f 

A.  Chriit  humbled  himfelf  in  his  conception 
and  birth,  in  that,  being  from  all  eternity  the  Son 
o\  God  in  the  bofom  of  the:  father,  he  was.pTeafed 
in  the  fulnefs  of  time  to  become  the  ion  of  man, 
made  of  a  woman  of  low  eflate,  and  to  be  born  of 
her,  with  divers  circumftances  of  mere  than  or- 
dinary abafement. 

Q.48a 


The  Larger  Catechlfm. 

Q^  48.   How  did  Chrijl  humble  himfelf  in  his  life  ? 

A.  Chrift  humbled  himfelf  in  his  life,  by  fub- 
je&ing  himfelf  to  the  law,  which  he  perfectly  ful- 
filled, and  by  conflicting  with  the  indignities  of 
the  world,  temptations  of  Satan,  and  infirmities,  in 
hisflefh,  whether  common  to  the  nature  of  man  or 
particularly  accompanying  that  his  low  condition. 

Q^  49.  How  did  Chrijl  humble  himfelf  in  his 
death  f 

A.  Chrift  humbled  himfelf  in  his  deaths  in  that 
having  been  betrayed  by  Judas ,  forfaken  by  his  dif- 
ciples,  fcorned  and  rejected  by  the  world,  condemn- 
ed by  Pilate,  and  tormented  by  his  pcrfecutors  ; 
having  alfo  conflicted  with  the  terrors  of  death  and 
the  powers  of  darknefs,  ielt  and  born  the  wek 
of  God's  wrath,  he  laid  down  his  life  an  offering 
for  fin,  enduring  the  painful,  fhameful,  and  curled 
death  of  the  Crofs. 

Q^  50.  JVherein  conjifed  Chriji' }s  humiliation  af- 
ter his  death, 

A.  Chrift's  humiliation  after  his  death,  confuted 
in  his  deing  buried,  and  continuing  in  the  itate  of 
the  dead,  and  under  the  power  of  death  till  the 
third  day,  which  hath  heen  otherwife  exprefftd  in 
thefe  words,  He  dejeended  into  Hell. 

Q^  5 1 .  What  was  the  ejtaft  of  Chrijl' s  exaltati- 
on? 

A.  The  eftate  of  Chrift's  exaltation  compre- 
hendeth  his  refurre&ion,  afcenfion,  fitting  at  the 
right  hand  of  the  Father,  and  his  coming  again  to 
judge  the  world. 

Q.  52.  How  was  Chrijl  exalted  in  his  refur rec- 
ti en.  ? 

A-  Chrift  was  exalted  in  his  rcfurrefticn,  in 
that,  not  having  feen  corruption  in  death  (of  which 
it  was  not  poffible  for  him  to  be  held)  and   having 

F  the 


S* 


. 


be  Li  rger  Caft 

the  very  fame  body  in  which  he  fi  fFered,  with   thd 
effential  property  viitl  mortality 

•     er  comiTiOi)  ihfir  beloi       g   to   t 

)  rca         i  tedt(  his  Soul,  he  n   fr< 

the  dead  the  J  i:d  day  by  his  own  power;  whue- 
b;  he  declared  himfeff  to  be  the  fen  oi  Gcd,  to  h; 
fat  .  J  1  i\:rie  Ji  iti.ee,  to  have  vanquished  death, 
and  bin,  that  had  the  power  of  it,  and  to  be  Lord 
of  quick,  and  dead.  All  v.  hich  he  did  as  :  pub 
pcrfon,  the  head  of  his  Church,  for  theirjuftificati- 
.  ci  ickening  in  grace,  fuppoit  againft  enemies, 
dto  aflure  them  of  their  refrn  >m   t 

dead  at  the  laft  day. 

Q.   53.   HciLzias  Chrrji exacted  in  hh  afcenficn? 
A.  Chrift  was  exalted  in  his    afcenfion,  ii   ri 
ter  his  refnrrfcflion  often   appeared  un 
\    :kr\  with  his  Apofiles,  '       king  to  thern 
gs  pcrfaii.h  the  kii  j  oi  G 

.  :      ceil  n -ihion  to  preach  the  G 
s ;  forty  d a}  s  :-< i te r  h is  re f  u rre 3. ion ,  I 
our  nature,  ai  our  head,    triumphing    o\ 

ies,^  nt  up  into  the  highest   heaver 

foj  men,  to  ran 
and   to  pr<  pare   a 
is  and  (hail  continue  "till  I         cond 
!  a  world. 
Q,  to  is  (  fea  in  his  fi  ting  cJ  i 

.  God? 
C  hritf  is  e&dtcd   in   his  fitting  at  the  rig 
Ifai  God,  in  I    it  a    God-rV  is   advanced 

to  .:         enr  with  C^od  the    Father,    with 

and  can  d  dt       i 

i    -      h,  and  fub<  enemies ;   iurnii 

•  is  arid  p  giits  :.  ai.d 

D  ior  tl  & 

a  55 


"The  Larger 


Q     ^5.   Htjj  d 

A  '  Carii  maketh  interce3ija,  by  hfs  ; 
nature  cool  a 
l,  in  t  :  >i  I  • 

ill  to  it  a 

b  - 

n         i  procu  :      1   quiet  0 

- 

iOtg  ace  E  per- 

.  -  • 

.      C.l  3    cc 

iy    :ull  c  :     : 

! 
I    ,  .  mti\  a  ..:   at,  ....  1 

:         $h  .      .      . 

57.   //''  at  it  -     &/i 

tae  co/en  1  :t 


l  c  e . 


A.           are    -    I  5  benefits  v? 

J,  by  t 

.  Gjd  1 

iemptioa  13  certain'  ;.l,   and 

hsfeditj  who   ire  .  by   the  H 


64  The  Larger  Cttechifm  . 

Ghoft  enabled  to  bclierc  in    Ghrift,   according  to 
the  Gofpel. 

Q.  60.  Can  they  who  have  never  heard  the  Qofpel% 
and  jo  know  not  J  ejus  Chrijl,  nor  believe  in  him,  be  ja- 
ved  by  their  living  according  to  the  light  of  Nature  ? 

A.  They    who  having   never  heard  the  Gofpel, 

:ow  not  Jefus  Chrift,  and  believe  not  in  him, 
cannot  be  faved,  be  they  never  fo  diligent  to  frame 
their  lives  according  to  the  light  of  Nature,  or  the 

ws  of  that  religion  which  they  profefs ;  neither 
is  there  falvation  in  any  other,  but  in  Chrift  alone, 
who  is  the  Saviour  only  of  his  bodv  the  Church. 

CK  6l»  Are  all  they  faved  who  hear  the  Gcjjsl, 
ve  in  the  church  f 

A.  All  that  hear  the  Gofpel,  and  live  in  the 
ilble  church,  are  not  faved  j  but  only  they  who  are 

ue  members  of  the  church  invifible. 

Q.  62.  What  is  the  vifible  church  ? 

A.  The  vifible  church  is  a  fociety  made  up  of 
all  fuch  as  in  all  ages  and  places  of  the  world  do 
profefs  the  true  religion,  and  oi  their  children. 

CK  63.  What  are  the  facial  privileges  of  the  vifi- 
Ue  church  ? 

A,  The  vifible  church  hath  the  privilege  of  be- 
ing under  God's  fpecial  care  and  government ;  of 
being  protected  and  preferved  in  all  ages,  notwit] 
Handing  the  oppo'ition  of  all  enemies  \  and  of  en- 
joying the  communion  of  Saints,  the  ordinary 
means  of  ftlvation,  and  offers  of  grace  by  Chrift  to 
all  members  of  it  in  the  miniftry  of  the  Gofpel, 
testifying  that  whofoever  believes  in  him  fhall  be 
faved,  and  excluding  none  that  will  come  unto 
him. 

C).  64.  jyhdt  invtfibh  church  ? 

A.  The 


The  Larger  Catecbifm.  65 

A.  The  invisible  church  is  the  whole  number 
of  the  cleft,  that  have  been,  are,  or  (hall  be  gather- 
ed into  one  under  Chrift  the  head. 

Q.   65.  What  f pedal  benefits  do  the  members  of  t 
invijible  church  enjoy  by  Chnjl? 

A.  The  members  of  the  iavifible  church,  by 
Chrift,  enjoy  union  and  communion  with  him  in 
grace  and  glory. 

Q.  66.  What  is  that  union  which  the  elecl   hav$ 
with  Chrift? 

A.  The  union   which    the    elecl:    have   with 
Chrift  is  the  work  of  God's  grace,  whereby   they 
are  ipiritually  and  myftically,  yet  really   and   inse- 
parably, joined  to  Chrift  as  their  head  and  hufband  ; 
which  is  done  in  their  effectual  calling. 
Oc  67.   What  is  effeclual calling? 
A*  Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of   God's  al- 
mighty power  and  grace,  whereby  (out  of  his   free 
and  efpecial  love  to  his  elect,  and  from  nothing  in 
tbem  moving  him  thereunto)  he  doth  in  his  accept- 
ed time  invite  and  draw  them  to  jcfus  Chrift,  by  his 
word  and  fpirit;  favingly  enlightening  their  minds, 
ienewing  and  powerfully  determining  their  wills, 
fo  as  they  (although  in  themfclves  dead  in  fin)  are 
hereby  made  willing  and  able,  freely  to  anfwer  his 
call,  and  to  accept  and  embrace  the  grace  offered 
and  conveyed  therein. 

Q^  68.  An  the  elecl  only  cffecluelly  called  ? 
A.  All  the  cleft*  and  they  only,  are  effectually 
called  ;  although  others  may  be  and  often  are  out- 
wardly called  by  the  miniftry  of  the  word,  and  ha\  e 
fome  common  operations  of  the  fpirit  *,  who,  for 
their  wilful  neglect  and  contempt  of  the  grace  of- 
fered to  them,  being  juftly  left  in  their  unbelief, 
do  never  truly  come  to  Jefus  Chrift. 

I  F2  <^ 


66  The  Larger  Catecbifnk 

CK  69.  What  is  tie  commu  in  grace,    which 

the  :  e  lers  oj  the  le  church  have  zvith  Chrift  ? 

J.  1  he  communion  in  grace,  which  the  mem- 
bers of  the  invisible  church  ha^e  with  Chrift,  is 
their  partaking  of  the  virtue  of  his  mediation,  in 
their  juftification,  adoption,  fan&ificatioh,  and 
whatever  elfe  in  this  life  manifefts  their  union 
with  him. 

Q^  70.  What  isjuJKfii  ? 

A.  Juftification  is  an  adl  of  God's  fre:  tee 
unto  tinners,  in  which  he  par*:  h  all  their  fin, 
accepteth  and  "accounteth  their  perfonfi  righteous 
in  his  fight;  not  for  my  thing  wrought  in  them, 
or  done  by  them,  but  only  for  the  perfect  obedi- 
ence and  full  fatisfa&ion  of  Chrift,  by  Gcd  im- 
puted to  them,  and  received  by  faith  alone. 

Q^  71.  H"jW  is  j iifii fixation  an  act  cf  Gsd's  free 
grace  ? 

A.  Although  Chrift,  by  his  obedience  and  death. 

Id  make  a  proper,  real,  and  full  fatisfaction  to 
God's  juftice  in  the  behalf  oi  them  that  are  jufti- 
fied  :  Yet  in  as  much  as  God  accepteth  the  fatis- 
faftion  from  a  furetv,  which  he  might  have  de- 
manded  of  them;  and  did  provide  this  furety,  his 
only  Son,  imputing  his  righteoufnefs  to  them,  and 
requiring  nothing  of  them  for  their  juftifkati  n  but 
faith,  which  alfo  is  his  gift,  their  juftification  is  to 
them  of  free  grace. 

Q^  72.  What  is jujtiffing faith? 

yi.  J u ft i lying  faith  is  a  faving  grace,  wrought 
in  the  heart  of  a  iinner  by  the  ipirit  and  word  of 
Gcd,  whereby  he,  bung  convinced  of  his  fin  and 
mifery,  and  of  the  difability  in  himfelf,  and  all  o- 
ther  creatures  to  recover  him  out  ot  his  loft  condi- 
tion, not  only  alien teth  to  the  truth  of  the  pron 
of  the  Gofpel,  but  recciveth  and  reiieth  upon  Chrift 

and 


The  larger  Catechifm. 

i  his  righteoufnefs  therein  held  forth,  for  pardon 
of  iiii,  and  for  the  accepting  and  accounting  of  his 
perfon  righteous  in  the  fight  of  God  for  falva- 
tion. 

Q^  73.  H?w  d:ih  faith  jujiify  a  firmer  in  the  Jig 
ofG;J? 

A.  Faith  Juflifies  a  (inner  in  the  fight  of  God, 
not  becaufe  of  thofe  other  graces  which  do  al- 
ways accompany  it,  or  of,  good  works  that  ace  the 
fruits  of  it;  nor  as  if  the  grace  of  faith,  or  any  act 
thereof,  were  imputed  to  him  for  his  j unification; 
but  only  as  it  is  an  instrument,  by  which  he  receiv- 
ech  and  applieth  Child:  and  his  righteoufnefs. 
Q^  7  4,  What  is  ad.  ? 

A.  Adoption  i%  an  ail  of  the  free  grace  01  God, 
in  and  lor  his  only  Son  Jefus  Chrift,  whereby  all 
thofe  that  are  juttiried  ire  received  into  the  numoer 
of  his  children,  have  his  name  put  upon  them,  \ 
fpirit  of  his  fon  given  to  them,  ere  under  his  fa- 
therly care  and  difpen  fat  ions,  admitted  to  all  the 
liberties  and  privileges  of  the  fons  of  God,  m  ide 
heirs  of  all  the  promifes,  and  fellow -heirs  with 
Chrift  in  G'ory. 

Q^  75.  What  isfanftifiedtim? 
A.  Sanctiricarion  is  a  work  of  God's  grace, 
wher  by  they  whom  God  hath  before  the  founda- 
tion ot  the  world,  chofen  to  be  holy,  rre  in  time, 
through  the  powerful  operation  of  his  fpirit,  ap- 
plying the  death  and  refurrection  of  Chrift  unto 
them,  renewed  in  their  whole  man  after  the  i  ma  ere 
ol  God  ;  having  the  feeds  of  repentance  unto  lire, 
and  all  other  faving  Graces,  put  into  their  hearts 
and  thofe  graces  fo  ftirred  up,  encre  tfed  and 
(Lengthened,  as  that  they  more  and  more  die  un- 
to fin,  and  rife  unto  newnefs  of  life. 
Q_  76*  fVhat  is  repentance  unto  life? 

A.  Re. 


ob 


The  Larger  Cateehj?n. 


A*    Repentance   unto   life    is  a  Caving    grace, 

:  in  the  heart    of  a     (Inner    by   the    fpirit 

and  word  cf   God,  whereby  out  of  the  and 

fenfe,  not  only  of  the  danger,  but  alfo  of  the  fil- 

fs  and  odioufnefs  cf  his  fins,  and   unon   the 

niion  o:  God's  mercy  in  Chrift  to  fuch   as 

are  penitent,  he  fo  grieves  for  and  hates  his  fins,  as 

at  he  turns  form  the]        :  to  God,  purpofing  and 

endeavouring  confiantly  to  walk  with  him  in  all 

the  ways  of  new  obedience. 

Q^  77.  Wherein  do  jufiifcaticn  and fariaif.c ali- 
en differ  ? 

A*  Although  fan&ification  be  infeparably  join- 
ed with  justification,  yet  they  differ,  in  that  God 
in  justification  imputeth  the  righteou  fcefs  of 
Chrift;  in  fan&ificationj  his  fpirit  infufeth  grace, 
andenableth  to  the  exeiciie  thereof ;  in  the  former, 
fin  is  pardoned,  in  the  other,  it  Is  fubdued  ;  the  cue 
doth  equally  free  all  believers  from  the  revenging 
wrath  of  God,  zni  that  perfectly  in  this  life,  that 
they  never  tall  into  condemnation  ;  the  ether  is 
neither  equal  in  all,  nor  in  this  life  perfect  in  any, 
but  crowing  up  to  perfection. 

Q^  «8.  Whence  arifeih  the  knferfel        (ffat 
.    tier:  in  b clivers  ? 

A,  The  imperfection  of  fenftification  in  believ- 
ers arifeth  from  the  remnants  of  fin  abiding  in  eve- 
ry part  01  them,  and  the  perpetual  luftings  cf  the. 
ih  againft  the  fpirit;  whereby  they  are  often 
foiled  v  ith  temptations  and  fall  into  many  fins,  are 
in  all  their  fpiritual  Fervices,  zud  their  be  ft 
works  are  imperfect  and  defiled  in  the  light  of 
Gftd. 

Q^  79.  Mcy  f  t  true  lei' tiers,  by   reafon    of  their 
imperfeclitns,  and  the  many  tempt  atims  and  Jin:  they 
■  taken  with,  fall  uivay  from  lie  fate  of  grace? 

A,  True 


The  Larger  Catechifm,  69 

A.  True  believers,  by  reafon  of  the  unchange- 
able love  of  God,  and  his  decree  and  covenant  to 
give  them  perfeverance,  their  infeparable  union 
with  Chrift,  his  continual  interceffion  for  them, 
and  the  fpirit  and  feed  of  God  abiding  in  them, 
can  neither  totally  nor  finally  fall  away  from  t 
ftate  of  grace,  but  are  kept  by  the  power  cf  God 
through  faith  unto  falvation. 

Q^  80,  Cm  true  believers  be '  infalibly  affured  that 

:y  are  in  the  ejiate  of  grace,  and  that  they  pull  p;rje~ 
vere  therein  unti  falvatim  t 

A.  Such  as  truly  believe  in  Chrift,  and  endeavour 
to  walk  in  ail  s:ood  confeience  before  him,  may, 
without  extraordinary  revelation,  by  faith  grounded 


*  «**.. 


upon  th?  truth  of  vj3uJb  pfomife,  and  bt  the  Jpi 

rit  enabling  them  to  difcern  in  themfeives  thofe 
graces  to  which  the  promifes  of  life  are  made,  and 
bearing  witnefs  with  their  fpirits,  that  they  are  the 
children  of  G^d,  be  infatibly  r.  fared  that  they  are 
in  the  eitite  of  gr.;:e,  and  ihall  perfevere  therein 
unto  falvatio  1. 

Q^  81 .   Are  all  true  believers  at   all  tines   affured 
of  their  prefent  being  in  the  ejlute  of  grace 9  and   that 

.v  (hall  be  faved  P 

A.  AtFurance  of  grace  and  falvation  not  be: 
of  the  effence  of  faith,  true  believers  may  wait  long 
before  they  obtain  it ;  and  after  the  enjoyment 
thereof,  may  have  it  weakened  and  intermitted* 
through  manifold  diftemoers,  fin?,  temptations  and 
deiertions:  yet  are  they  never  left  without  inch  a 
prefence  and  fupport  of  the  fpirit  of  God,  as 
keeps  them  from  linking  into  utter  deipair. 

Q^  82.  IVhat  is  the  catmnumon  in    Glory,  ivhich 
the  member i  of  the  invisible  church  have  with  Chrijl  ? 

A,  The  communion  in  glory,  which  the  mem- 
ifiblc  church  have  with  Chriil,  is  in 

this 


The  Larger  Catechifm. 


this  life,  immediately  alter  death,  and    at  laft   per- 
fected at  the  refurrc&jon and  cl : ; y  of  judgment. 

Qj,  S^.  //  hat   if    the  cofnmunUn    in  [  with 

Clr.Jty  it  hick  the  meikbers  of  tie  invijlbk  chu. 
joy  in  tin  iiJiP 

/I.  The  members  of  the    inviCble   church    ha 
eorriiriL1;       ted  to  them  in  this  life,  the   firft   fruits 
of  glory  v.ith  Chriff,  as  they  are  members  oi  him 
flbtii  i  cad,    and  fe  in   him  are  interested   in  that 
g:   .     which  he  is  fully   poffelfed    of;    and   as  an 
earnefl   thereof,  enjoy   the    fenie    of  God's  love, 
peace  of  conference,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoil ;   ; 
hope  of  gloiy  ;    As  on  the  contrary,  lenfe  o»  God's 
revenging  \*rath,  honor  of  confeience,  and  a  fear- 
fe}  ex  pre  a:  ion  oi  judgment,   :»rc    to  tkc 
the  beginning  of  thr-ir  torments,  which  they  ihall 
l.    I  re  aitei  death. 

Q.  £4.   Shdi  a 11  men  die  ? 

A,  Dentil  being  threatened  as  the  wages  of  r  \ 
it  is  appointed  unto  ail  menoi.ee  to  cliej  for  that 
a I  have  tinned. 

Q.  fcc.  Duttb  being  ihtwagil  of  fin  twb]  ore  not 
tl  i  rigl  te„  us  de/n ercc  fn  •  dt  atl  >  j i  eing  ail  iUt r  Jim 
are  ven  in  Li  riji  ? 

A.  1  he  righteous  (hall  be  delivered  from  death 
at  tl        .c  day,  and  ei   n  in  death  are  delivcr- 
from      i  fting  and  curfe  of  it  \  lo  that,  although 
•  die, yet  hi:  ou    o   God's  love,  to  free  their,  p 
rem  fin  and  mifery, and  to  make  ther    ca- 
r  cc.h       nion  I     i  ift  in 

then  ent<  r  up   r. 
Q.    fc6.   /, :-//•/    «    /v*    <         union    i         ry    t: 
/    u  hick  the  i    ,      rs  ej  (he  itmij    le  t 
j  j         ed lately  after  death  . 

A.  The  communion  in  g'ory  ;.  !    ift,  v,h 

the  members  of  fchc  ihvil  :l  imme- 

diately 


The  Larger  (.  ii 

mediately       . .:   death,    is  in   that  their    touts  are 
then  madsf        ft  in   holinefs,   and   received    into 

2  higheft  heavens  where  they  beno1  I 
G  ):1  \n  light  and  ^lory;  |  Ufedemp- 

2s,  which  ev.n  in  d?  th   continue 
lited  to  Chriit,  an  I  reft  in  their  graves  is  in 
,  til)   it  the    laft  d  ly    they  be  again  united    to 
foul*.     Where  A  fouls  of  the   vickei  are 

thdr  death   ca;l   into  hell,   -vhere  they    re  11 
■   d    its  and  iKter*<I  irknefs^   fnd    their  b  >d 
pt  in  their  graves,  as  in  their  prifons,   until  r 

li  ).i  \  \ !  judgm    .      >f  the  gre  it  d  :y. 
Q^  87.  IVuat  are  we  torbeitevi  concerning  the   re- 

1.   We  are  to  believe,  that  at  the  lal  day  there 
fh  id  be  a  genera!  refti -*re  'lion  v    he  dead,  both  cf 
jjui  t:  When  ...  y  that  are  then  found 

ive  Ihall  in  0*  changed;  and  the  f  I 

neb  >ii«2S  o  dead    which   Were    laid  in  I 

ave,  being  then  again  united  to  their  fouls  for  e- 
ver,  ihall   be  r  ifed   up  by  the  poorer  of  Chriit. 
The  bodies  ot  the  jud,  by  the  fpirit  ofChritl,  and 
virtue  of  his  r         e£kion  as  their  head,  ;hall  be 
fed  in  power,  fpi ritual,  incorruptible,    nd  mad* 
:e  to  his  lis  body:    And  the  bodies    of  t 

.::d  fliall  be  raifed  up  in  dii honour  by  him 
BFcnded  judge 
Q^  83.   What  fiatt   immediately  follow  after  the 
refurreclU 

j'L     Imraediatey  after  the  refurrection  fli  til  f 
the  general  and  final  judgment  of  Aigels  and 
men  :  The  day  a  id  hour  whereof  no    man  knovV- 
1,  that  all  may  watch  and  pray,  and  be  ever  rea- 
•  for  the  coming  of  the  Lo:    . 
'  Q^  89.  What  jhaU  be  done  to  the   wicked  at  the 
da         udgment  ? 

A.  At 


*]2  The  Larger  Calechifm. 

yf.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  wicked  (h 
be  fet  on  Chrift's  left  hand,  aud  upon  clear  evi- 
dence, and  full  conviftion  of  their  own  confeiences,- 
fhall  have  the  fearful  but  juft  fentence  of  con- 
demnation  pronounced  againft  them  ;  and  thereup- 
on fhall  be  caft  out  from  the  favourable  prefer.ee 
of  God,  and  the  glorious  fellowfhip  with  Chrift, 
his  Saints,  and  all  his  holy  Angels',  into  Heil,  to 
be  punifhed  with  unfpeakable  torments  both  of 
body  and  foul,  with  the  devil  and  his  Angels  for 
ever. 

Q^  90.   IVlmt  fhall  he  done  to  the  righteous  at  tie 
day  of  JudgmfHt  ? 

A.  At  the  day  cf  judgment,  the  righteous,  be- 
ing caught  up  to- Chrift  in  the  clouds,  fhall  be  fet 
on  his  right  hand,  and  there  openly  acknowledged 
and  acquitted,  fhall  join  with  him  in  the  judging 
of  reprobate  Angels  afcd  Men  :  and  fhall  be  receiv- 
ed into  heaven*  where  they  fhall  be  fully  and  for 
ever  freed  from  all  fin  and  mifery  ;  filled  with  in- 
able  joyp  ;  made  per  tec!  ly  holy  and  happy 

th  in  body  and  foul,  in  the  company  of  innume- 

ble  Saints  and  Angels,  but  efpecially  in  the  im- 
mediate vifi  on  and  fruition  ctf  God  the  father,  of 
our  Lord  Jcfus  Chrift,  and  of  the  holy  Spirit  to  all 
eternity.  And  this  is  the  perfect  and  full  com- 
munion, which  the  members  of  the  invifible 
Church,  fhall  enjoy  with  Chrift  in  glory,  at   the 

urreciion  and  day  of  judgment. 


Having 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  73 

Helping  feen  what  the  Scriptures  prin- 
cipally teach  us  to  believe  concerning 
God,  it  follows  to  con/ider  what  they 
require  as  the  duty  of  Man. 

Q^  01.  What  is  the  duty  which  God  requireth  of 
Man?: 

A.  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  Man  is 
obedience  to  his  revealed  will. 

Q^  9  2  What  did  God  at  firji  reveal  unto  Man  as 
the  ruh         is  obedience? 

A.  The  rule  of  obedience  revealed  to  Adam 
in  the  eftate  of  innocence,  and  to  all  mankind  in 
him,  befide  a  fpecial  command,  not  to  eat  of  the 
fruit  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
lyajs  the  moral  law. 

Q^  93.    What  is  the  moral  lavj  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  the  declaration  of  the  will 
of  God  to  mankind,  directing  and  binding  every 
one  to  perfonal,  perfect  and  perpetual  conformity 
and  obedience  thereunto,  in  the  frame  and  difpofiti- 
on  of  the  whole  man,  foul  and  body,  and  in  per- 
formance of  all  thofe  duties  of  holinefs  and  rignte- 
oufnefs  which  he  oweth  to  God  and  Man:  Pro- 
mising life  upon  the  fulfilling,  and  threatening 
death    upon  the  breach  of  it. 

Q^  9  i .  Is  there  any  uje  of  the  moral  lazv  to  Man 
fince   the  jail? 

A.  Althougfi  no  Man  fince  the  fall,  can  attain 
to  right eoufnefs  and  life  by  the  moral  law;  yet 
there  is  great  ufe  thereof,  as  well   common    to  all 

len,  as  peculiar  either  to  the  unregenerate,  or  tfie 
.regenerate. 

Q^  95.   Of  what  vfe  is  the  moral  lazv  to  all  Men  ? 

F  A.    1  he 


74-  2T&*  Larger  Caiechijm. 


A.  The  moral  law  is  of  ufe  to  ail  Men,  to  in- 
form them  of  the  holy  nature  and  will  of  God,  and 
of  their  duty,  binding  them  to  walk  accordingly; 
to  convince  them  of  their  difability  to  keep  it,  and 
of  the  finful  pollution  of  their  nature,  hearts  and 
lives  ;  to  humble  them  in  the  fenfe  of  their  fin  and 
mifery,  and  thereby  he]p  them  to  a  clearer  fight  of 
the  need  they  have  of  Chrift,  and  of  the  perfecti- 
on of  his  obedience. 

Q^  96.  What  particular  ufe  is  there  of  the  moral 
law  to  an  regenerate  Men  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  of  ufe  to  unfegenerate 
Men,  to  awaken  their  confeiences  to  flee  from  the 
v,  rath  to  come,  and  to  drive  them  to  Chiift ;  Or, 
upon  their  continuence  in  the  eftateand  way  of  fin, 
to  leave  them  inexcufable,  and  under  the  curfe. 
thereof. 

Ch  97.  TVhat  facial  uje  is  there  cf  the  moral  law 
to  the  regenerate  r 

A.  Although  they  that  are  regenerate  and  be- 
lieve in  Chrift,  be  delivered  from  the  moral  law  as 
a  covenant  o;  works,  fo  as  there  b)  they  are  neither 
jufhfied  nor  condemned  :  Yet,  bide  the  gentjal 
ufes  thereof  common  to  them  with  all  Men,  it  is 
of  fpecial  ufe,  to  (hew  them  how  much  they  are 
bound  to  Chrift  for  his  fulfilling  it,  and  irduri 
the  curfe  t  ereof  in  their  fte  d  and  for  their  good; 
and  thereby  to  provoke  them  to  morethar.klulnefs, 
ai:d  to  exprefs  the  fame  in  their  greater  c:  re  to 
conform  themfelves  thereunto  as  the  rile  of  their 
obedience. 

Q^  98.  fVhert  is  the  moral  law  fan  man  !y  com- 
prehended ? 

A,  The  moral  taw  is  fummarily  comprehended 
in  the  ten  commandments,  which  were  delivered  by 
the  voice  of  God  upon  mount  Si nai,  and  written  by 

him 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  75 

him  in  two  tables  of  ftone ;  and  are  recorded  in 
the  twentieth  chapter  of  Exodus,  The  four  firft 
commandments  containing  our  duty  to  God,  and 
the  otner  fix  our  duty  to  Man. 

Q^  99.  IVhat  rules  arc  to  be  observed  for  the  right 
under /landing  of  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  For  the  right  underttanding  of  the  ten  com- 
mandments, thefe  rules  are  to  be  obferved  ; 

1.  That  the  larv  is  perfect,  and  bindeth  every 
one  to  full  conformity  in  the  whole  Man  unto  the 
righteoufnefs  thereof,  and  unto  entire  obedience 
for  ever ;  fo  as  to  require  the  utmoft  perfection  of 
every  dutv,  and  to  forbid  the  leail:  degree  of  ever/ 
fin. 

2.  That  it  is  fpiritual,  and  fo  reacheth  the  un- 
derstanding, will,  arfe£tions,  and  all  other  powers 
01  the  foul ;  as  well  as  words,  works,  and  gestures, 

3.  That  one  and  the  fame  thing,  in  diverfe  re- 
flects, is  required  or  forbidden  in  feveral  com- 
mandments. 

4.  That  as,  where  a  duty  is  commanded,  th^ 
contrary  fin  is  forbidden  ;  and,  where  a  fin  is  for- 
bidden, the  contrary  duty  is  commanded :  So, 
where  a  promife  is  annexed,  the  contrary  threat- 
ning  is  included ;  and,  where  a  threatening  is  an- 
nexed, the  contrary  promife  is  included. 

5.  That  what  God  forbids,  is  at  no  time  to  be 
done  ;  what  he  commands,  is  always  our  duty ; 
and  yet  every  particular  duty  is  not  to  be  done  at 
all  times. 

6.  That,  under  one  fin  or  duty,  all  of  the  fame 
kind,  are  forbidden  or  commanded  ;  together  with 
all  the  caufes,  means,  occafions  and  appearances 
thereof,  and  provocations  thereunto. 

7.  That  what  is  forbidden  or  commanded  to 
ourfelves,  we  are  bound,  according  to  our  places, 

to 


76  T7ie  Larger  Cat:        n. 

to  endeavour  that  it  may  be  avoided  or    ;         rtr.ed 
by  others,  r.ccording  to  the  duty  or  their  places. 

8.  That  in  what  is  commanded  to  others,  we 
are  bound  according  to  our  places  and  callings  to 
be  helpful  to  them  ;  and  to  take  heed  of  partaking 
with  others  in  t  is  forbidden  them. 

Q^  ioc.   What  jpeciat  things  are  we  to  co%  in 

the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  We  are  to  confider  in  the  ten  command- 
ments, the  preface,  the  fubftance  of  the  command- 
ments themfelves,  and  feveral  reafons  annexed  to 
fome  of  them  the  more  to  inforce  them. 

Q.  I  o  I .  Ifliat  is  the  preface  to  the  ten  command- 
ments ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is 
contained  in  thefe  words,  /  am  the  Lord  thy  G 
which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt^j 
cut  of  the  houfe  of  bondage.  Wherein  God  mani- 
fefteth  his  fovereignty,  as  being  Jehovah,  the  eter- 
nal,  immutable,  and  almighty  Gcd  ;  having  his- 
being  in  and  of  himfelf,  and  giving  being  to  all 
his  words,  and  works  :  And  that  he  is  a  God  in  co- 
venant, as  with  Ifrael  of  old,  fo  with  all  his  people ; 
who  as  he  broueht  them  out  of  their  bondage  in 
Egypt,  fo  he  delivereth  us  from  our  fpiritual  thral- 
dom;  and  that  therefore  we  are  bound  to  take 
him  lor  our  God  alone,  and  to  keep  all  his  com- 
mandments. 

Q^  ic2.  What  is  the  fum  of  the  few  command- 
merits,  which  contain  our  duty  to  God ? 

A.  The  fum  of  the    lour  commandments    con- 
taining our  duty  to  God,  is,  to  love   the    Lord  our 
God   with  all  our    heart,  and    with  all  our  foul, 
and  with  all  our  ftrength;  and  with  all   our  mink 
Q.   103.   IV) it  h  is  th  e  fi,  ji  c ;  m  >.  t  ? 

A.  Tl 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  77 

A.  Th:  firft  commandment  is,   Thou  (ball   have 

\er gods  before  me. 
104.   What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  firft  cam-* 
mam       it  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in    the  firft  command - 
merit  are,  the  knowing  and  acknowledging  of  God 
to  be  the  only   true    God,    and   our  God  ;  and  to 
worihip  and  glorify  him  accordingly,  by  thinking, 
meditating,  remembering,  highly  efteemixfg,  honour- 
ing, adoring,  choofing,  lovmg,  defiring,  tearing  of 
m;  believing  him;  trufting,  hoping,  delighting, 
rejoicing  in  him ;  being  zealous  for  him;   calling 
m  ;  giving  all  praife  and  thanks,  and  yield- 
obedience  and  fubmiffion  to  him  with  the 
le  man ;  being  careful  in  all  things   to  plea 
and  forrowful  when  in  any  thing  he  is  offend- 
cd  ;  and  walking  humbly  with  him. 

Q^  1 05.  What  are  the jirir  forbidden  in  the -firft 

ent  ? 
A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  firft  commandment 
leifm,  in  denying,    or  not    having  a   God; 
having  or  worfhipping  more  Gods  than 
one,  or         with,  or  inftead  of  the  true  God;  the 
ins;  and  vouching  him   for  God,   and   our 
God;  the  omi'Tion  or  neglect  of  any  thing   due   to 
im,  required  in  this  commandment ;    ignorance, 
lefs,  mifapprehenfions,  f\dfe  opinions,  un- 
•   and    wicked  thoughts  of  him  ;   bold    and 
>us  fearching  into  his  fecrets  ;   all  profanenefs, 
God,  felf-love,  felf-feeking,  and  all  other 
.  j  and  immoderate  fetting   of  our   mind, 
or  afFe&ions  upon    other  things,  and    taking 
.em  off  from  him  in  whole  or  in  part;  vain   cre- 
dulity,        :Iief,  herefy,  mifbelief,  diflruft,  d         r  ; 
giblenefs,  and  infenfiblenefs    under    judg- 
m  >c's  of  Heart,  pride,  prefumption,  car- 


7?  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

nal  fecurity,  tempting  of  God :  ufing  unlawful 
means,  and  milling  in  unlawful  means  ;  earn  1  de- 
lights and  joys  ;  corrupt,  blind,  and  indifcre  t 
zeal;  lukewarmnefs,  and  deadnefs  in  the  thing-  of 
God,  eftranging  ourfelves,  and  apoftatizing  from 
God  ;  praying,  or  giving  any  religious  worfhip,  to 
Saints,  Angels,  or  any  other  creatures;  all  coin- 
pails  and  confulting  with  the  Devil,  and  hearken- 
ing to  his  fuggeftions ;  making  Men  the  Lords  of 
our  faith  and  confeienee ;  flighting  and  defpifing 
God,  and  his  commands  ;  refilling  aud  grieving  of 
his  fpirit,  difcontent  and  impatience  at  his  difpenfati- 
ons,  charging  him  foolifhly  for  the  evils  he  inflifts 
on  us  ;  and  afcribing  the  praife  of  any  good  we  ei- 
ther are,  have,  or  can  do,  to  fortune,  idols,  our- 
felves, or  any  other  creature. 

Q^  1 06.  What  are  we  ejpecialy  taught  by  thefe 
words  (before  me)  in  the  fir/1  commandment  ? 

A,  Thefe  words  (before  me  J  or  before  my  face,  in 
the  firft  commandment,  teach  us,  that  God,  who 
feeth  all  things,  uketh  fpecial  notice  of,  and  is 
much  difpleafed  with,  the  fin  of  having  any  other 
God  :  That  fo  it  may  be  an  argument  to  diffuade 
fi-om  it,  and  to  aggravate  it  as  a  mod  impudent 
provocation  ;  as  alfo  to  perfuade  us  to  do  as  in  his 
fight,  whatever  we  do  in  his  fervice. 

Q.    J  07.   Which  is  the  jecond  commandment  ? 

A,  The  fecond  commandment  is,  Thou  /halt 
not  make  untj  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any  hhencjs  of 
any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  ab:ve,  or  thai  is  in  the 
earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth, 
Tbou  /halt  not  bow  down  thy/elf  to  them,  nor  ferve 
them  ;  For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  'Jealous  God,  vi- 
(iting  the  iniquity  of  the  father  upon  the  children  unto 
t .:',;/  und  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me: 

And 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  79 

And  (hewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that  love  me, 
and  keep  my  commandments. 

Q^  1  cS.  fVhat  are  the  duties  required  in  the  fecond 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  fecond  command- 
ment are,  the  receiving,  obferving,  and  keeping 
pure  and  entire,  all  fuch  religious  worfhip  and  or- 
dinances as  God  hath  infiiruted  in  his  word  ;  par- 
ticularly prayer  and  thank fgiving  in  the  name  of 
Chriil ;  the  reading,  preaching  and  hearing  of  the 
word  ;  the  adminiftration  and  receiving  of  the  fa- 
craments ;  church-government  and  dicipline  :  the 
miniftry  and  maintainance  thereof;  religious  fail- 
ing ;  fwearing  by  the  name  of  God,  and  vowing 
unto  him  :  As  alio  the  difapproving,  detefling,  op- 
pofing  all  falfe  worfhip  ;  and  according  to  each 
one's  place  and  calling,  removing  it,  and  all  mo- 
numents of  idolatry. 

Q^  109.  What  are  the  Jim  forbidden  in  the  fecond 
commandment  f 

A.  The  fins  forbid  !en  in  the  fecond  command- 
ment are,  all  deviling,  counfelling,  commanding, 
ufing,  and  any  wife  approving  any  religious 
worfhip  not  inftituted  by  God  himfelf;  the 
making  any  reprefefltation  of  God,  of  all  or 
of  any  of  the  three  perfons,  either  inwardly 
in  our  mind,  or  outwardly  in  any  kind  of 
image  or  hkenefs  of  any  creature  whatsoever: 
all  worfhip  of  it,  or  God  in  it  or  by  it  \  the 
making  of  any  reprefentation  of  feigned  deities,  and 
all  worlhipot  them,  or  fervice  belonging  to  them ; 
all  fuperftitious  devices,  corrupting  the  worfhip  of 
God,  adding  to  it,  or  taking  from  it,  whether  in- 
vented and  taken  up  of  curfelves,  or  received  by 
tradition  from  others,  though  under  the  title  of  an- 
tiquity, cuftom,  devotion,  good  intent,  or  any  other 

pretence 


8q 


c 


r;    {]  ne- 

r,  hind        ,   and  opp  1 

Ihi]  a   d  ord  which  G 

i    -   /   <7/f   the    re 
fee  ,  .  *  it  ? 

;d   to   the    i  i  com- 

re   to  enforce    it,  con 
ords,  For  It  .    .   a  j: 

G  of. the  i  i    the 

:      .  :   .    idjhei  men  ts   of  : 

.  tore  me   i  n  ;    are,    1 

God  y  over  us,  and   pi  in  us,  his 

fervent  .  sal  lor  his  own  worfhip,  a:,  revenge^ 

;   ion  a.         [  all  fa]  \  as  b^i:.^  a 

n  ;    accouj  the    break* 

is    cc  Iment  fuch  as  ]  .1 

ningtopi  t   em  unto  divers   ;... :  and 

i   teeming  the  obfervers  of  it  fuch  as  lo       tim    and 
.p  hi--    commandments,  and  promi 
ra  unto  many  generations* 
hi..  :  ? 

third  commandment   h,   \      u    '    .7  ;rt 

thy  Gca  ni'  For  tke 

Lsrd will ?25j  fold  htm  gu  taketl 

Q.    112.    /Y7..7    is    re  ^  '.    the    third  com- 

A,.  The  third  comma)        :nt  reqi        ,  that  the 
-  ol  God,  his  titles,  at  s,  crd     .  xes,  t 

wofdj  k(  •  -  •  |  •    -j    vows,    iots,  his 

,  and  whatfoever  c!  reby 

akei  1  ii  ifelf  knovN  n,  be  I      [y   and 
ufedin  thought,  meditation,  word  an        "ting;  by 
.:  holv  i  i  anfwerable  X       *rfation-,  to 

tl 


//.¥  Larger  Latt       m.  oi 

jiory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  ourfeives,   and 
othersl 

Q^  113.    'What  are  the Jins  forbidden  in  t  c  thi 
comm        lent? 

A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  third  command- 
ment are,  thenot  ufm^  of  God's  mm;  a-  fired  ; 

'  »r^  ^  * 

a;  e  abufe  of  it  in  an  ignc  1,  irreverent, 

',  fuperfti tiqus,    or  ntioning    or 

other  his  titles,    attribute;,  ordinances, 

or  vvorks,  by  blafphemy,  perjury  \  all   finful  curf- 
ings;  oath?,  vows,  and  lots  ;  violating  oi    our  oaths 
and  vows,  if  lawful  ;    and   fulfilling   then,    if  of 
:$  unlawful ;  ni       Luringand  quarr         ^.incu- 
rious prying  into,  and  mifapplying  of  God's   de- 
crees an i pro         ices  ;  mifmt  .      -dug,  mifapplying, 
ty  perverting  the  word,  or  any  part   of  it,, 
to  pi        :  jeft,  curious  and  unprofitable  quefiions, 
vain  jangling?,    or  the  maintaining  of  falfe   doe- 
> ;  abullng  it,  the  creatures,  or  any  thing  con- 
ined  under  the  name  of  G;>d,  to  charms,  or  fin- 
iils  and    pra.dice*;   the   maligning,    fcor; 
re/iiing,  or  any  wife  oppofing  of  God's  truth,  grace, 
an  ys  ;  making  profefli'on  of  r         m  in  hypo- 

,  or  for  I  is  ;    being  afnamed  of  it,    or 

a  (haineto  it,  by  uncomfortable,  uawife,  it- 

ful  ani  orFe~  Ikitisr,  or  backflidin-         n  it. 

Q_  1  r  i.   Wi.  is  are   annexed  to   the  i 

I  ne  it  ? 

:an:l- 
nt,  in  th*fe  words,  '  ' 

L  tot    h.  .         .... 

■ )  are,  t  Lord  and  0 

>i,  th:r  his  nar  to  he  profaned 

an  fa 

-  the  t 
as   that  lie    will    n  )t 

th 


82  The.  Larger  Catechifm. 

tlicm  to  efcppe  his  rightecus  judgment,  albeit  ma- 
ny fuch  efcape  the  cenfures  and  punifhments 
of  men. 

Q.   115.  Which  is  the  fourth  commandment? 

A.  The  four tii  commandment  is,  Remember  the 
Jabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  clays  jb alt  thou  labour, 
and  do  all  tly  work:  But  the  J  event h  day  is  the  Sab- 
bath  of  tie  Lord  thy  God :  In  it  thou  /halt  not  do  any 
u  rk,  thou,  nor  thy  Jon,  nop  thy  daughter,  thy  man-ier- 
vant,  nor  thy  maidservant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  the 
Jir  anger  that  is  within  t/.y  gates,  lor  in  fix  days  the 
Lord  made  heaven  and  eattk,  the  Jea,  and  all  that  in 
them  is,  and  rejied  the  J  event  h  day  :  IP  her ef  ore  the 
Lord  blejjed  the  jabbath  day,  and  ha  Honed  it. 

Q^  116.  J '/hat  is  required  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment ? 

A\  The  fourth  commandment  requireth  of  all 
men  the  fan&ifying  or  keeping  holy  to  God  fuch 
let  times  as  he  hath  appointed  in  his  word,  ex- 
prefsly  one  whole  day  in  feven  ;  which  was  the  fe- 
venth  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  re- 
furrecuon  of  Chrift,  and  the  firfl:  day  of  the  week 
ever  fince,  and  fo  to  continue  to  the  end  of  the 
world  ;  which  is  the  chriitian  f:bbath,  and  in  the 
New  Tcftarnent  called  the  Lord's  day. 

Q^  117.  How  is  the  Sabbath  or  Lord's  day  to  be 
fhncJifiedf 

A.  The  fabbath  or  Lord's  day  is  to  be  fanclifi- 
cd  by  an  holy  reding  all  that  day,  not  only  from 
fuch  works  as  are  at  all  times  (infill,  but  even  from 
fuch  worldly  employments  and  recreations  as  are 
on  other  days  lawful ;  and  making  it  our  delight  to 
fpend  the  whole  time  (except  fo  much  of  it  as  is 
to  be  taken  up  in  works  of  neceility  and  mercy) 
in  the  public  and  private  exercifes  ci  God's  wor- 
ihip :   And,  to  that  end,    we   are   to   prepare  our 

hearts. 


The  Larger  Catechifm  83 

arts,  and  with  fuch  forefight,  diligence  and  mo- 
deration, to  difpofe,  and  feafonably  to  difpatch  our 

jrldly  buiinefs,  that  we  may  be  the  more  free  and 
fit  for  the  duties  of  that  day. 

Q^  118.  Why  is  the  charge  of  keeping  the  Jabhath 
more  Jpecially  directed  to  governors  of  families  and 
other  juperi  or  s  ? 

A.  The  charge  of  keeping  the  fabbath  is  more 
efpecially  directed  to  governors  of  families  and  o- 
ther  fuperiors,  becaufe  they  are  bound  not  only  to 
keep  it  themfelves,  but  to  fee  that  it  be  obferved  by 
all  thofe  that  are  under  their  charge  ;  and  becaufe 
they  are  prone  oft-times  to  hinder  them  by  em- 
ployments of  their  own. 

Q^  1 19.  What  are  the  ftns  forbidden  in  the  fourth 
commandment? 

A.  The  fin>  forbidden  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment are,  all  omiilions  of  the  duties  required,  all 
carelefs,  negligent,  and  unprofitable  performing  of 
them,  and  bring  weary  of  them ;  all  profaning  the 
day  Dy  idlenefs,  and  doing  that  which  is  in  \S 
iinful  ;  and  by  all  needlefs  works,  words,  and 
thoughts  about  our  worldly  employments  and  re- 
creations. 

Q^  1  20.  What  are  the  reafms  annexed  to  the  fourth 
commandment  the  more  to  enforce  it  ? 

A.  The  reafons  annexed  to  the  fourth  command- 
mtnt,  the  more  to  enforce  it,  are  taken  tro.n  the 
equity  of  it,  God  allowing  us  fix  days  of  (even  'for 
our  own  iffairs,  and  refervtng  but  one  for  hi  nfelf, 
in  thefe  words,  fix  day  /hilt  thou  labour  and  do  all 
thy  worki  From  God's  challenging  a  fpeciil  pro- 
priety in  that  day,  the  feventh  day  is  the  fabbath  of 
the  Lord  thy  God:  from  the  example  of  Gad,  who 
in  fix  day;  \  it  :  wen  1  id  earth •,  the  [e.i%  and  all  that 
in  them  is,  and  rejisd  the  feventh  daj^^nd  fro  n  that 

bleiiinrr 
o 


beg 


84  The   Li 

Inch  God  put  upon  that  day,  not  only  111 
ifyfng  it  to  be  a  clay  for  his  f.        e,  but  in  or- 
daining it  to  be  a  means  of  blefling  to   us   in   cur 
fai  i        ing  it  \  u         ore  the  .  (Jed t  \tb 

(Jay,  and  hallowed  it. 

Q^  121.   Why  is  the  word  remember  fct  in  the 
the  fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  word  remember  is  fct  in  the  beginning 
of  the  fourth  commandment,  partly,  becaufe  of  the 
great  benefit  of  remembring  it,  we  being  thereby 
helped  in  our  preparation  to  keep  it  ;  and,  in 
keeping  it,  better  to  keep  all  the  reit  of  the  com- 
mandments, and  to  continue  a  thankful  remem- 
brance of  the  two  great  benefits  of  creation  andre- 
demption,which  contain  a  fliort  abridgment  of  religi- 
on :    end  partly  becaufe  we  are  ready  to  forget  it,  lor 

at  there  is"'  t  of  nature  for  it,  and  yet  it   re- 

train* tfr  our  natural  liberty  in  things  at  other  times 
lawful ;  that  it  comcth  but  once  in  feven  days,  ?nd 
many  worldly  bufinefles  come  between,  and  too  often 
Four  minds  from  thinking  ot  it,  either  to  pre- 
pare for  it,  or  to  fanelifv  it;  and  that  fatnn  with 
his  inflruments  much  labour  to  blot  out  the  glory, 

J  even  the  memory  of  it,  to  bring  in  all  irrcligi- 
1  and  impiety. 

Q.  122.  jyi:cJ  is  the  Jam  of  tlef,  x  commandments 
u    .', ;.  contain  our  duty  to  Man? 

A,  The  fum  of  the  fix    commandments  which 

ntain  our  duty  to  Man,  is,  to  love  our  neigbo 
as  ourfelves,  and  to  do  to  others  what  we    would 
have  them  d<>  to  vc. 

Q.   123.  Which  is  the  fifth  commandment? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  is,  honour  thy  fat). 

r ;  that  th         •     may    he    long  upon  the 
hi.  L  ord  thy  G  :c!  g  \  r/h  thee. 


The  Larger  Catechifn.  85 

Q^  1 24.  Who  are  meant  by  Father  and  Mother, 
in  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

A.  By  Father  and  Mother,  in  the  fifth  command- 
ment, are  meant  not  only  natural  parents,  but  all 
fuperiors  in  age  and  gifts  ;  and  efpecially  fuch  as 
bv  God's  ordinance  are  over  us  in  place  of  authori- 
ty, whether  in  tamily,  church,  or  commonwealth - 

Q^  125.  Why  are  fuperiors  filed  Father  and 
Mother  f 

A.  Superiors  are  (tiled  Father  and  Mother,  both 
to  teach  them  in  all  duties  towards  their  inferiors, 
like  natural  parents,  to  exprefs  love  and  tendernefs 
to  them,  according  to  their  feveral  relations  ;  and 
to  work  inferiors  to  a  greater  willingnefs  and 
cheerfulnefs  in  performing  their  duties  to  their  fu- 
periors, as  to  their  parents.    . 

Q^  126.  fVhat  is  the  general  f cope  of  the  fifth  com- 
ma idme  it  ? 

A.  The  general  fcope  of  the  filth  command- 
ment is  the  performance  of  thofe  duties  which  we 
mutually  owe  in  our  feveral  relations,  as  inferiors, 
fuperiors  or  equals. 

CX  1  27.  iVnat  is  the  honour  that  inferiors  owe  to 
their  fu peri :rs  ? 

A.  The  honour  which  inferiors  owe  to  their  fu- 
periors is,  all  due  reverence  in  heart,  word,  and 
behaviour ;  prayer  and  thankfgiving  for  them  ; 
imitation  of  their  virtues  and  graces  ;  willing  obe- 
dience to  their  lawful  commands  and  counfels  ; 
due  fubmiifion  to  their  corrections  ;  fidelity  to,  de- 
fence, and  maintenance  of  their  perfons  and  au- 
thor; *y,  according  to  their  feveral  ranks,  and  the 
narure  of  their  places  ;  bearing  with  their  infirmi- 
ties, and  covering  them  in  love,  that  fo  thev  may 
be  an  honour  to  them  and   to  their  government. 

Q.  128 
H 


£>6  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

Q.  128.  What  are  the  fins  of  inferiors  agatift 
their  Juperi or s  ? 

A.  The  fins  of  inferiors  againft:  their  fuperiors 
are,  all  neglect  of  the  duties  required  toward  them  ; 
envying  at,  contempt  of,  and  rebellion  againft  their 
perfons  and  places,  in  their  lawful  counfels,  com- 
mands, and  correction ;  curfing,  mocking,  and  all 
fuch  refractory  and  fcandalous  carriage,  as  proves 
a  fhame  and  difhonour  to  them  and  their  govern- 
ment. 

Q.  129.  What  is  required  of  fuperiors  towards 
their  inferiors  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  Superior?,  according  to  that 
power  they  receive  from  God,  and  that  relation 
wherein  they  ftand,  to  love,  pray  for,  and  blefs 
their  inferiors ;  to  inftru£t,  counfel  and  admonifh 
them  ;  countenancing,  commending,  and  reward- 
ing fuch  as  do  well ;  and  difcountenancing,  repro- 
ving, and  chaftifing  fuch  as  do  ill,  protecting,  and 
providing  for  them  all  things  necefiary  for  foul  and 
body :  And,  by  grave,  wife,  holy  and  exemplary 
carriage,  to  procure  glory  to  God,  honour  to  them- 
felves,  and  fo  to  preferve  that  authority  which  GoJ 
hath  put  upon  them. 

Q.   1 30.   What  are  the  fins  of  fuperiors  ? 

A.  The  fins  of  fuperiors  are,  bolide  the  neglect 
of  the  duties  required  of  them,  an  inordinate  feek- 
ing  of  themfelves,  their  own  glory,  eafe,  profit,  or 
plcafure  ;  commanding  things  unlawful,  or  not  in 
the  power  of  inferiors  to  perform;  counfelling, 
encouraging,  or  favouring  them  in  that  which  is 
evil ;  diifuading,  difcouraging,  or  difcountenanc- 
ing them  in  that  which  is  good;  correcting  thorn 
unduly ;  carelefsexpofing.or  leaving  them  to  wrong, 
temptation  and  danger  ;  provoking  them  to  wrath  ; 
or  any  way  difhonouring  themfelves,   or  ltifening 

their 


The  Larger  Catechijm.  87 

their  authority,  by  an  unjutl,  indifcreet,  rigorous  or 
remifs  behaviour. 

Q^  131.  What  are  the  duties  of  equals  ? 

A,  The  duties  of  equals  are,  to  regard  the  dig- 
nity and  worth  of  each  other,  in  giving  honour  to 
go  one  before  another;  and  to  rejoice  in  each  o- 
ther's  gifts  and  advancement  as  their  own. 

Q^   132.   What  are  the  fins  of  equals  ? 

A.  The  fins  of  equals  are,  befide  the  neglect  of 
the  duties  required,  the  undervaluing  of  the  worth, 
envying  the  gifts,  grieving  at  the  advancement  or 
profperity  one  ot  another  ;  and  ufurping  pre-emi- 
nence one  over  another. 

Q^  133.  What  is  the  reafon  annexed  to  the  fifth 
commandment,  the  more  to  enforce  it  ? 

A.  The  reafon  annexed  to  the  fifth  command- 
ment, in  thefe  words,  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon 
the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  Gsd  giveth  thee,  is  an 
exprefs  promife  of  long  life  and  profperity,  as  far 
as  it  (hail  ferve  for  God's  glory  and  their  own 
good,  to  all  fuch  as  keep  this  commandment. 

Q^   1 34.  Which  is  theftxth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  iixth  commandment  is,  Thou  /halt  not 
idl. 

Q_  135.  What  an  the  duties  required  in  theftxth 
commandment  P 

A  The  duties  required  in  the  fixth  commanj- 
ment  are,  all  careful  ftudies,  and  lawful  endea- 
vours, to  preferve  the  life  of  ourfelves  and  others, 
by  refilling  all  thoughts  and  purpofes,  fubduing  all 
pailions,  and  avoiding  all  occaiions,  temptations, 
and  practices,  which  tend  to  the  imjuft  taking  a- 
way  the  life  of  any;  by  juft  defence  thereof  again  t 
violence;  patient  bearing  of  the  hand  of  God, 
quietnefs  of  mind,  cheerfulnefs  of  fpirit,  ;  and  fo- 
ber  ufe  of  meat,  drink,  phyfic,  deep,    labour,    ani 

recreations 


88  The  Larger  Cateckiftn. 

recreations ;  by  charitable  thoughts,  love,  com- 
panion, rneeknefs,  gentlenefs,  kindnefs;  peaceable, 
mild  and  courteous  fpeeches  and  behaviour  ;  for- 
bearing, readinefs  to  be  reconciled,  patient  bearing 
and  forgiving  of  injuries,  and  requiting  good  for  evil; 
comforting  and  fuccouring  the  diftrelfed,  and  pro- 
tecting and  defending  the  innocent. 

Q^  136.  JVhat  are  the  fins  forbidden  in  the  Jixtb 
co7iunandment  ? 

A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  fixth  command- 
ment are,  all  taking  away  the  life  of  ourfelves  or 
of  others,  except  in  cafe  of  public  juftice,  lawlul 
war,  or  neceiTary  defence ;  the  neglecting  or  with- 
drawing the  lawful  or  neceffary  means  of  preferva- 
tion  of  life ;  finful  anger,  hatred,  envy,  defire  of 
revenge  ;  all  exceilive  paffions,  diftracling  cares ; 
immoderate  ufe  of  meat,  drink,  labour,  and  recre- 
ations ;  provoking  words,  oppreflion,  quarrelling, 
ftriking,  wounding,  and  whatfoever  elfe  tends  to 
the  dcftruction  of  the  life  ot  any. 

Q^   137.   PPliich  is  t he  J "event h  commandment  ? 

A.  The  feventh  commandment  is,  ThGUJhalt  not 
commit  adultry. 

CK  138.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  fe- 
venth commandment  f 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  feventh  com- 
mandment are,  chaftity  in  body,  mind,  affe&ions, 
words,  and  behaviour  ;  and  the  prefervation  of  it 
in  ourfelves  and  others  ;  watchfulnefs  over  the  eyes 
and  all  the  fenfes  ;  temperance,  keeping  of  chafte 
company,  modefty  in  apparel ;  marriage  by  thofe 
that  have  not'the  gift  of  continency,  conjugal  love, 
and  cohabitation;  diligent  labour  in  our  callings; 
fhunning  all  occafions  of  uncleannefs,  and  refitt- 
ing temptations  thereunto. 

Qi  *39 


The  Larger  Catechifm :■,  89 

Q.   139.   fVhat  are  the  fins  forbidden  in  the  f event  h 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  feventh  command- 
ment, befide  the  negleftoftheduti.es  required,  are, 
adultry,  fornication,  rape,  inceft,  fodomy,  and  all 
unnatural  lufts  ;  all  unclean  imaginations,  thoughts, 
purpofes  and  affections  ;  all  corrupt  or  filthy  com- 
munications, or  liflning  thereunto  ;  wanton  looks, 
impudent  or  light  behaviour,  immodeft  apparel ; 
prohibiting  of  lawful,  and  difpenfmg  with  unlaw- 
lul  marriages  ;  allowing,  tolerating,  keeping  of 
(lews,  and  reforting  to  them  ;  intangling  vows  of 
fingle  life,  undue  delay  of  marriage  ;  having  more 
wives  or  hufbands  than  one  at  the  time  ;  unjuft  di- 
vorce  or  defer tion  ;  idJenefs,  gluttony,  drunken- 
nefs,  unchafte  company  ;  lafcivious  fongs,  books, 
pictures,  dancings,  ftage-plays  ;  and  all  other  pro- 
vocations to,  or  a&s  of  uncleannefs  either  in  our- 
felves  or  others. 

Q.   140,   fFhich  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou /halt  not 
fteal 

Ch   141 .  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  eighth 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment are,  truth,  faithfulnefs  and  juftice  in  contrails 
and  commerce  between  man  and  man  ;  rendering 
to  every  one  his  due  ;  reftitution  of  goods  unlaw- 
fully detained  from  the  right  owners  thereof;  giv- 
ing and  lending  freely,  according  to  our  abilities, 
«nd  the  neceffities  of  others;  moderation  of  our 
judgments,  wills  and  affections  concerning  world- 
ly goods  ;  a  provident  care  and  ftudy  to  get,  keep, 
ufe  and  difpofe  of  thofe  things  which  are  necefiary 
and  convenient  for  the  fuflentation  of  our  nature, 
and  fuitable  to  our  condition  ;  a  lawful  calling,  and 

H  2  diligence 


90  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

diligence  in  it  ;  frugality ;  avoiding  unneceilary 
law-fuits,  and  furetifhip,  or  other  like  engagements  ; 
and  an  endeavour  by  all  juit  and  lawful  means  to 
procure,  preferve,  and  further  the  wealth  and  out- 
ward eflate  of  others,  as  well  as  our  own. 

Q^  142.  What  are  the  fins  forbidden  in  the  eighth 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment, befide  the  negleft  of  the  duties  required,  are, 
theft,  robbery,  man-ftealing,  and  receiving  any 
thing  that  is  ftolen :  fraudulent  dealing,  falfe 
weights  and  meafures,  removing  land  marks,  in- 
juftice  and  unfaithfulnefs  in  contrails  between 
man  and  man,  or  in  matters  of  truft;  oppreiiion, 
extortion,  ufury,  bribery,  vexatious  law-fuits,  un- 
juit  inclofures  and  depredation  ;  ingroiTing  com- 
modities to  inhance  the  price,  unlawful  callings, 
and  all  other  unjuft  or  finful  ways  of  taking  or 
withholding  from  our  neighbour  what  belongs  to 
him,  or  of  inriching  ourfdves  ;  covetoufnefs ;  in- 
ordinate prizing  and  affecting  worldly  goods  ;  dif- 
truftful  and  diitracling  cares  and  midies  in  gett.mg, 
keeping  and  tiling  them;  envying  at  the  profpeii- 
ty  of  others  :  as  fikewife  idlenefs,  prodigality, 
evaflehi]  gaming;  and  all  other  ways  whereby  v\e 
do  unduly  prejudice  our  own  outward  eflate:  and 
defrauding  ourfelves  of  the  due  life  and  comfort  of 
that  eflate  which  God  hath  given  us. 

Q.    143.   P^7:ich  is  the  ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  I  lie  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  jhalt  net 
hear  falje  ivitnejs  againji  thy  neighbour. 

CK  144.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  ninth 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  ninth  command- 
ment are,  the  preferving  and  promoting  of  truth 
between  man  and  man,  and  the  good  name  of  our 

neighbour 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  91 

neighbour,  as  well  as  our  own :  appearing  and 
Handing  for  the  truth  ;  and  from  the  heart,  fincere- 
ly,  freely,  clearly,  and  fully,  fpeaking  the  truth, 
and  only  the  truth,  in  matters  of  judgment  and 
juflice,  and  in  all  other  things  whatfoever :  a  cha- 
ritable efteem  of  our  neighbours  ;  loving,  defiring, 
and  rejoicing  in  their  good  name;  forrowing  for, 
and  covering  of,  their  infirmities  \  freely  acknow- 
ledging of  their  gifts  and  graces,  defending  their 
innocency ;  a  ready  receiving  of  a  good  report,  and 
unwillingnefs  to  admit  of  an  evil  report  concern- 
ing them  ;  difcouraging  tale-bearers,  flatterers,  and 
ilanderers  \  love  and  care  of  our  own  good  name, 
and  defending  it  when  need  requireth  ;  keeping  of 
lawful  promifes  ;  ftudying  and  pra£tiiing  of  what- 
foever things  are  true,  honed,  lovely,  and  of  good 
report* 

(^  145.  What  are  the  fins  forbidden  in  the  ninth 
commandment  f 

A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  ninth  command- 
ment are,  all  prejudicing  of  the  truth,  and  the  good 
name  of  our  neighbours  as  well  as  our  own,  efpe- 
cially  in  public  judicature  ;  giving  falfe  evidence, 
fuborning  falfe  witneifes,  wittingly  appearing  and 
pleading  for  an  evil  caufe,  out-racing  and  over- 
bearing the  truth  ;  paffing  unjuil  fentence,  calling 
evil  good,  and  g,ood  evil  \  rewarding  the  wicked 
according  to  the  work  of  the  righteous,  and  the 
righteous  according  to  the  work  of  the  wicked  ; 
foigery,  concealing  the  truth,  undue  filence  in  a 
juft  caufe,  and  holding  our  peace  when  iniquity 
calleth  for  either  a  reproof  from  ourfelves,  or 
complaint  to  others  ;  fpeaking  the  truth  unfeafon- 
ably,  or  malicioufly  to  a  wrong  end,  or  perverting 
it  to  a  wrong  meaning,  or  in  doubtful  and  equi- 
vocal exprdlion,  to  the  prejudice  of  truth  or  juftice  ; 

fpsaking 


92  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

fpeaking  untruth,  lying,  flandering,  back-biting, 
detracting,  tale-bearing,  whifpering,  fcoffing,  re- 
viling, rafh,  harfh,  and  partial  cenfuring  ;  mifcon- 
ftrucSting  intentions,  words  and  actions ;  flattering, 
vain-glorious  boafling,  thinking  or  fpeaking  too 
highly  or  too  meanly  of  ourfelves  or  others ;  de- 
nying the  gifts  and  graces  of  God  \  aggravating 
fmaller  faults;  hiding,  excufing,  or  extenuating 
of  fins,  when  called  to  a  free  con  ft  (lion  ;  unnecef- 
farily  difcovering  of  infirmities ;  raifing  falfe  ru- 
mours, receiving  and  countenancing  evil  reports, 
and  flopping  our  ears  againft  jurt:  defence ;  evil 
fufpicion  ;  envving  or  grieving  at  the  deferved  cre- 
dit of  any,  endeavouring  or  defiring  to  impair  it,, 
rejoicing  in  their  difgrace  and  infamy  ;  fcornful 
contempt,  fond  admiration  ;  breach  of  lawful  pro- 
mifes;  negle&ing  fuch  things  as  are  of  good  re- 
port ;  and  praftifing  or  not  avoiding  ourfelves,  or 
not  hindering  what  wre  can  in  others,  fuch  things 
as  procure  an  ill  name. 

Q.   146.   Which  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  jhalt  not 

covet  thy  neighbour* s  houfe,   thou  Jhalt   not  ccvet    thy 

neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man  fervant,  nor  his   maid 

jervanty  net  his  ox,  mr  his  afs,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy 

neighbour*  s. 

Q.    147.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  tenth 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  tenth  commandment" 
are,  fuch  a  full  contentment  with  our  own  condi- 
tion, and  fuch  a  charitable  frame  of  the  whole 
foul  towards  our  neighbour,  as  that  all  our  inward 
motions  and  affections  touching  him,  tend  unto 
and  further  all  that  good  which  is  his. 

Q^  148.   What  are  the  fins  forbidden  in  the  tenth 
commandment  ? 

A,  The 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  93 

A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  tenth    command- 
ment are,  difcontentment  with  our  own  eftate  ;  en- 
vying, and  grieving  at  the  good  ot   our   neighbour, 
together  with  all  inordinate  motions  and  affecftions 
to  any  thing  that  is  his. 

Q^  149.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the  com- 
mandments  of  God? 

A.  No  man  is  able,  either  of  himfelf,  or  by  any 
grace  received  in  this  life,  perfectly  to  keep  the 
commandments  of  God ;  but  doth  daily  break 
them  in  thought,  word  and  deed. 

Q^  150.  Are  all  tranfgreffions  of  the  law  of  God 
equally  heinous  in  themf elves  %  and  in  the  fight  of 
God? 

A.  All  tranfgreffions  of  the  law  of  God  are 
not  equally  heinous  ;  but  fome  fins,  in  themfeives, 
and  by  reafon  of  feveral  aggravations,  are  more 
heinous  in  the  fight  ol  God  than  others. 

Q^  151.  What  are  thofe  aggravations  that  make 
fomejins  more  heinous  than  others  ? 

A.  Sins  receive  their  aggravations. 

1.  From  the  perfons  offending :  if  they  be  of 
riper  age,  greater  experience,  or  grace  ;  eminent 
for  proteifiop,  gifts,  place,  office ;  guides  to  other, 
and  whofe  example  is  likely  to  be  i olio  wed  by 
others. 

2.  From  the  parties  offended  :  If  immediately 
againft  God,  by  his  attributes  and  worihip  ;  a- 
gainft  Chrift,  and  his  grace  ;  the  holy  fpirit,  his 
witnefs,  and  workings  \  againft  fuperiors,  men  of 
eminency,  and  fuch  as  we  (land  efpecially  related 
and  engaged  unto  ;  againft  any  of  the  faints,  par- 
ticularly weak  brethren,  the  fouls  of  them  or  any 
other,  and  the  common  good  ot  all  or  of  ma- 
ny. 

7,  From 


94  7 he  Larger  Catechifm. 

3.  From  the  nature  and  quality  of  the  offence  r 
If  it  be  againft  the  exprefs  letter  of  the  law,  break 
many  commandments,  contain  in  it  many  fins :  If 
not  only  conceived  in  the  heart,  but  breaks  forth  in 
words  and  aflions,  fcandalize  others,  and  admit  of 
no  reparation:  It  againft  means,  mercies,  judg- 
ments, light  of  nature,  conviition  of  confcience, 
public  or  private  admonition,  cenfures  of  the 
church,  civil  punifhments ;  and  our  prayers,  pur- 
poses, promifes,  vows,  covenants,  and  engagements 
to  God  or  men :  If  done  deliberately,  wilfully, 
prefumptuoufly,  impudently,  boaftingly,  maliciouf- 
ly,  frequently,  obftinately,  with  delight,  continu- 
ance,  or  relapiing  after  repentance. 

4.  From  circumftances  of  time,  and  place;  If 
011  the  Lord's  day,  or  other  times  of  Divine  wor- 
fhip  ;  or  immediately  before,  or  after  thefe,  or  other 
helps  to  prevent  or  remedy  fuch  mifcarriages :  If  in 
public,  or  in  the  prefence  of  others,  who  are  there- 
by likely  to  be  provoked  or  defiled. 

Q^  152.  tVhat  doth  every  Jin  dejerve  at  the  hands 

A.  Every  fin,  even  the  leaft,  being  againft  the 
fovereignty,  goodnefs  and  holinefs  of  God,  and 
againft  his  righteous  law,  deferveth  his  wrath  and 
curfe,  both  in  this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come ; 
and  cannot  be  expiated  but  by  the  blood  ol  Chrift. 

Q:  153.  Wliat  dcth  God  require  of  us,  that  we 
ma j  efcape  his  wrath  arid  curfe  due  to  us  by  reajon  of 
the  tranjgrefjion  of  the.  law  r 

A.  I  hat  we  may  efcape  the  wrath  and  curfe, 
of  God  due  to  us  by  reafon  of  the  tranfgrefliou  of 
the  law,  he  requireth  oi  us  repentance  toward 
God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and 
the  diligent  ufe  of  the   outward   means  whereby 

Chrift 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  9^ 

Chrift  communicateth  to   us  the  benefits    of  his 
mediation. 

Q^  154.  What  are  the  outward  rneans  whereby 
Chriji  communicates  to  us  the  benefits  of  his  medi- 
ation f 

A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means,  where- 
by Chrift  communicates  to  his  church  the  benefits 
of  his  mediation,  are  all  his  ordinances  ;  efpecial- 
ly  the  word,  facraments,  and  prayer  ;  all  which  are 
made  effectual  to  the  elect  for  their  falvation. 

Q^  155.  How  is  the  word  made  effectual  to  fal- 
vation ? 

A.  The  fpirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but 
efpecially  the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  effectual 
means  ot  enlightening,  convincing  and  humbling 
finners  ;  of  driving  them  out  of  themfelves,  and 
drawing  them  unto  Chrift  ;  ol  conforming  them 
to  his  image,  and  iubduing  them  to  his  will  \  of 
(lengthening  them  againlt  temptations  and  cor- 
ruptions \  of  building  them  up  in  grace,  and  efta- 
bliihing  their  hearts  in  holinefs  and  comfort  thro' 
Jaith  unto  falvation. 

Q^    156.    Is  the  word  of  God  to  be  read  by  all? 

A.  Although  all  are  not  to  be  permitted  to  read 
the  word  publicly  to  the  congregation,  yet  all  forts 
of  people  are  bound  to  read  it  apart  by  themfelves, 
and  with  their  families;  to  which  end,  the  holy 
fcriptures  are  to  be  tranllated  out  of  the  original 
into  vulgar  languages. 

Q^  157.   How  is  the  word  of  God  to  be  read? 

A.  The  holy  fcriptures  are  to  b^  read  with  an 
high  and  reverend  eft^em  of  them;  with  a  firm 
perfuafion  that  they  are  the  very  word  o;  God,  and 
that  he  only  can  enable  us  to  und.rftand  them  ; 
vf  ith  deiire  to  know,  believe  .  nd  obey  the  will  of 
God  revealed  in  them  ;  with  diligence,  and  atten- 
tion 


g6  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

tion  to  the  matter  and  fcope  of  them  ;  with  medi- 
tation, application,   felf-denial,  and  prayer. 

Q^  158.  By  whom  is  the  word  of  God  to  be 
preached  ?. 

A.  The  word  of  God  is  to  be  preached  only  by 
fuch  as  are  fufficiently  gifted,  and  alfo  duly  ap- 
proved and  called  to  that  office. 

Q^  159.  How  is  the  word  of  God  to  be  preached 
by  thofe  that  are  called  thereunto  ? 

A.  They  that  arecalle.lto  labour  in  the  miniftry 
of  the  word,  are  to  preach  found  dodlrine,  diligently, 
in  feafon,  and  out  oi  fcafon  ;  plainly,  not  in  the 
inticing  words  of  man's  wifdom,  but  in  demon- 
ftration  of  the  fpirit ;  and  of  power ;  faithfully, 
making  known  the  whole  counfel  of  God  ;  wifely, 
applying  themfelvcs  to  the  neceffities  and  capaci- 
ties of  the  hearers;  zealouflv,  with  fervent  love  to 
God,  and  the  fouls  of  his  people  ;  fincerely,  aiming 
at  his  glory,  and  their  converlion,  edification,  and 
falvation. 

Q^  1 60.  What  is  required  of  thofe  that  hear  the 
word  preached  f 

A.  It  is  required  of  thofe  that  hear  the  word 
preached,  that  they  attend  upon  it  with  diligence, 
preparation  and  prayer  ;  examine  what  they  hear 
by  the  fcriptures  ;  receive  the  truth  with  faith, 
love,  meeknefs,  and  readinefs  o\  mind,  as  the  word 
of  God;  meditate  and  confer  of  it  ;  hide  it  in  their 
heart-,  and  bring  forth  the  fruit  of  it  in  their  lives. 

Q^  161.  How  do  the  facraments  become  effectual 
mtsns  of  falvation  t 

A.  The  facraments  become  effectual  means  of 
falvation,  nor  by  any  power  in  thenii  ,   or  any 

virtue  d         d  from  the  piety  or  intention  of  him 
by  whom  they  are  adminftered  ;  but  only  by  the 

working 


The  Larger  Catechljm,  97 

working  of  the   Holy  Ghoft,  and  the  bleffing  of 
Chrtft.  by  whom  they  are  inftituted. 

Q^     162.    What  is  a  facrament? 

A.  A  facrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  inftituted 
by  Chrift  in  his  church,  to  fignify,  feal,  and  ex- 
hibit unto  thofe  that  arc  within  the  covenant  of 
grace,  the  benefits  of  his  mediation  ;  to  ftrengthen 
and  increafe  their  faith,  and  all  other  graces,  to 
oblige  them  to  obedience ;  to  teftify  and  cherifh 
their  love  and  communion  one  with  another,  and 
to  diftinguiih  them  from  thofe  that  are  without. 

Qj  163.    What  are  the  parts  of  a  facrament  ? 

A.  The  parts  of  a  facrament  are  two  :  The  one 
an  outward  and  fenfible  fign  ufed  according  to 
ChrifVs  own  appointment;  the  other,  an  inward 
and  fpiritual  grace  thereby  fignified. 

Q^  164.  How  many  facraments  hath  Chrifi   in- 
fiituted  in  his  church  under  the  New  Tejiatnent  ? 

A.  Under  the  New  Teftament  Chrift  hath  in- 
ftituted in  his  church  only  two  facraments,  baptifm, 
and  the  Lord's  fupper. 

C^.    165.   What  is  baptifm? 

A.  Baptifm  is  a  facrament  of  the  New  Tefta- 
ment, wherein  Chrift  hath  ordained  the  wafhing 
with  water  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  to  be  a  iign  and  feal 
of  ingrafting  into  himfelf,  of  remiftion  of  fins  by 
his  blood,  and  regeneration  by  his  Spirit;  of  adop- 
tion and  refurreclion  unto  everlafting  life :  And 
whereby  the  parties  baptized  are  folemnly  admitted 
into  thevifible  church,  and  enter  into  an  open  and 
profeGTed  engagement  to  be  wholly  and  only  the 
Lord's. 

Q^  166.   Unto  whom  is  baptifm  to  be  aiminiftred? 

A.  Baptifm  is  not  to  be  adminiftred  to  any  that 
are  out  of  the  vifible  church,  and  fo  ftrangers  from 

I  the 


98  The  Larger  Catechijm. 

the  covenant  of  promife,  till  they  profefs  their  faith 
in  Chriit,  and  obedience  to  him  ;  but  infants  de- 
fending from  parents,  either  both  or  but  one  of 
them,  profeiling  faith  in  Chrift,  and  obedience  to 
him,  are  in  that  refpect  within  the  covenant,  and 
to  be  baptized. 

Q^   167.  How  is  our  baptifm  to  be  improved  by  us  ? 

A,  The  needful  but  much  negledted  duty  ot 
improving  our  baptifm  is  to  be  performed  by  us  all 
our  life  long,  efpecially  in  the  time  of  temptation, 
and  when  we  are  prefent  at  the  adminiftration  of 
it  to  others,  by  ferious  and  thankful  confederation 
of  the  nature  of  it,  and  of  the  ends  for  which  Chriit. 
inftituted  it,  the  privileges  and  benefits  conferred 
and  fealed  thereby  and  our  folemn  vow  made  there- 
in  ;  by  being  humbled  for  our  finiul  defilement, 
our  falling  fhort  of,  and  walking  contrary  to,  the 
grace  of  baptifm  and  our  engagements;  by  grow- 
ing up  to  aifurance  of  pardon  of  fin,  and  of  all 
other  bleflings  fealed  to  us  in  that  facrament:  By 
drawing  ftrength  from  the  death  and  refurrettion 
of  Chrift,  into  whom  we  are  baptized,  for  the 
mortifying  of  fin,  and  quickening  of  grace  ;  and  by 
endeavouring  to  live  by  faith,  to  have  our  conver- 
sation in  holinefs  and  righteoufnefs,  as  thofe  that 
have  therein  given  up  their  names  to  Chrift,  and  tc 
walk  in  brotherly  love,  as  being  baptized  by  the 
fame  Spirit  into  one  body. 

Q.    168.   What  is  the  Lord's Jupper? 

A.  The  Lord's  fupper  is  a  facrament  of  the 
New  Teftament,  wherein,  by  giving  and  receiving 
bre  d  and  wine  according  to  the  appointment  of 
Jefus  Chrift,  h  s  death  is  fhewed  forth;  and  they 
that  worthily  communicate,  feed  upon  his  body  and 
blood,  to  their  fpiritual  nourifhment  and  growth 
in  grace  ;  have  their  union  and  communion  with 

him 


The  Larger  Catechism.  99 

him  confirmed ;  teftify  and  renew  their  thankful- 
nefs  and  engagement  to  God,  and  their  mutual 
love  and  fellowship  each  with  other,  as  members 
of  the  fame  myflical  body. 

Q.  169.  How  hath  Chrifi  appointed  bread  and 
vjine  to  be  given  and  received  in  the  facrament  of  the 
Lord' s  j upper  ? 

A  Chrift  hath  appointed  the  minifters  of  his 
word,  in  the  admimitration  of  this  facrament 
of  the  Lord's  fupper,  to  fet  apart  the  bread  and 
wine  from  common  ufe  by  the  word  of  infti union, 
thankfgiving  and  prayer;  to  take  and  break  the 
bread  and  to  give  both  the  bread  and  the  wine  to 
the  communicants:  who  are  by  the  fame  appoint- 
ment to  take  and  eat  the  bread,  and  to  drink  the 
wine  ;  in  thankful  remembrance  that  the  body  of 
Chrilt  was  broken  and  given,  and  his  blood  ihed 
for  them. 

Q^  170.   Hvw  do  they  that  worthily  commnicate  In 
the  Lord*  s  fupper  feed  upon    the   body   and  blood  of 
Chrift  therein  f 

A.  As  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift  are  not  cor- 
porally or  carnally  prefent  in,  with,  or  under  the 
bread  and  wine  in  the  Lord's  fupper ;.  and  yet  are 
fpiritually  prefent  to  the  faith  of  the  receiver,  no 
lefs  truly  and  really  than  the  elements  themfelves 
are  to  their  outward  fenfes ;  fo  they  that  worthily 
communicate  in  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  fup- 
per, do  therein  feed  upon  the  body  and  blood  of 
Chrilt,  not  after  a  corporal  or  carnal,  but  in  a  fpi- 
ritual  manner;  yet  truly  and  really,  while  by  faith 
they,  receive  and  apply  unto  themfelves  Chrilt 
crucified,  and  all  the  benefits  of  his  death. 

Q^  171.  Hjw  are  they  that  receive  the  facrament 
of  the  Lord's  fupper  to  prepare  themfelves  before  they 
come  unto  it? 

I  2  A.  They 


ico  The  Larger  Catechijm. 

A.  They  that  receive  the  facramcnt  of  the 
Lord's  flipper  are,  before  they  come,  to  prepare 
themfelves  thereunto,  by  examining  themfelves  of 
their  being  in  Chrift,  of  their  iins  and  wants;  of 
the  rrwth  and  meafure  of  their  knowledge,  faith, 
repentance,  love  to  God  and  the  brethren,  charity 
to  all  men,  forgiving  thofe  that  have  done  them 
wrong,  oi  their  defires  after  Chrift,  and  of  their 
new  obedience  ;  and  bv  renewing  the  exercife  of 
thefe  graces,  by  ferious  meditation,  and  fervent 
prayer. 

Q^  i  7  2.  May  one  who  doubt  eth  of  his  being  in  Chrijl, 
or  of his  due  preparation  come  to  the  Lord 's /upper  ? 

A,  One  who  doubteth  of  his  being  in  Chrift,  or 
of  his  due  preparation  to  the  facrament  of  the 
Lord's  fupper,  may  have  true  intereft  in  Chrifl, 
tho'  he  be  not  yet  afllrred  theieof;  and  in  God's 
account  hath  it,  if  he  be  duly  affe£led  with  the 
apprehend  on  of  the  want  of  it,  and  unfeignedly 
deli  res  to  be  found  in  Chrift,  and  to  depart  from 
iniquity:  in  which  cafe  (becaufe  promifes  are 
made,  and  this  facrament  is  appointed,  for  the  re- 
lief even  of  weak  and  doubting  Chriftians)  he  is  to 
bewail  his  unbelief,  and  labour  to  have  his  doubts 
refolved  ;  and,  fo  doing,  he  may  and  ought  to  come 
to  the  Lord's  fupper ;  that  he  may  be  further 
lengthened. 

Qj.   173.   May  any  who  profefs  the  faith,  and  defxre 
to  Cstiie  to  the  Lord's  J  upper,  be  kept  front  it  ? 

A.  Such  as  are  iound  to  be  ignorant  or  fcandal- 
ous,  notwithftanding  their  profeflion  of  the  faith, 
and  deiire  to  come  to  the  Lord's  fupper,  may  and 
ought  to  be  kept  from  that  facrament,  by  the 
power  which  Chrift  hath  left  in  his  church,  until 
they  receive  inftru&ion,  and  maniteft  their  n 
iormation. 

Q.  174 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  1 01 

Q.    i  74.   What  is  required  of  them  that  receive  the 
jacrament  of  the  Lord's  J  upper  in  the  time  of  the  admi- 
nijlration  of  it  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  them  that  receive  the  fa- 
crament  of  the  Lord's  fuppcr,  that,  during  the  time 
of  the  adminiitration  or  it,  with  all  holy  reverence 
and  attention  they  wait  upon  God  in  that  ordi- 
nance, diligently  obferve  the  facramental  elements 
and  aftions,  needfully  difccrn  the  Lord's  body,  and 
atre£tionatL'ly  meditate  on  his  death  and  fufferings, 
and  thereby  ilir  up  themfelves  to  a  vigorous  exer- 
cife  of  their  graces;  in  judging  themfelves  and 
forrowing  for  fin ;  in  earneil  hungerings  and  third- 
ings  after  Chrilt,  feeding  on  him  by  faith,  receiv- 
ing of  his  fulnefs,  truiting  in  his  merits,  rejoicing 
in  his  love,  giving  thanks  for  his  grace ;  in  renew- 
ing of  their  covenant  with  God,  and  love  to  all 
the  faints. 

Q^  175.   What  is  the  duty  of  Chriftians,  after  they 
have  received  the  facrament  of  the  Lord' s  f upper  ? 

A.  The  duty  of  Chriitians,  after  the  have  re- 
ceived the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  fupper,  is  fe- 
riouily  to  coniider  how  they  have  behaved  them- 
felves therein,  and  with  what  fuccefs ;  if  they  find 
quickening  and  comfort,  to  blefs  God  for  it,  beg 
the  continuance  of  it,  watch  againft  relapfes,  fulfil 
their  vows,  and  encourage  themfelves  to  a  frequent 
attendance  on  that  ordinance  :  but,  if  thev  find  no 
prefent  benefit,  more  exailly  to  review  their  pre- 
paration to,  and  carriage  at  the  facrament ;  in  both 
which  if  they  can  approve  themfelves  to  God  and 
1  their  own  consciences,  they  are  to  wait  for  the 
fruit  of  it  in  due  time:  but,  if  they  fee  they  have 
failed  in  either,  they  are  to  be  humbled,  and  to  at- 
tend upon  it  afterward  with   more  care   and  dili- 


gence. 


I  3  Q,  176, 


102  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

Q^  176.  Wherein  do  the  facraments  ef  baptifm  and 
the  Lord *s [upper  agree? 

A.  The  facraments  of  baptifm  and  the  Lord's 
flipper  agree,  in  that  the  author  of  both  is  God ; 
the  fpiritual  part  of  both  is  Chrift  and  his  benefits  ; 
both  are  feals  of  the  fame  covenant,  are  to  be  dif- 
penfed  by  minifters  of  the  gofpel  and  by  none 
other,  and  to  be  continued  in  the  church  of  Chrift 
until  his  fecond  coming. 

Q^  177.  Wherein  do  the  Jacramenis  of  baptifm  and 
the  Lord' s  f upper  differ  t 

A.  The  facrament  of  baptifm  and  the  Lord's 
fupper  differ,  in  that  baptifm  is  to  be  adminiftred 
but  once,  with  water,  to  be  a  fign  and  feal  of  our 
regeneration  and  ingrafting  into  Chrift,  and  that 
even  to  infants;  whereas  the  Lord's  fupper  is  to  be 
adminiftered  often,  in  the  elements  of  bread  and 
wine,  to  reprefent  and  exhibit  Chrift  as  fpiritual 
nourifhment  to  the  foul,  and  to  confirm  our  con- 
tinuance and  growth  in  him,  and  that  only  to  fuch 
as  are  of  years  and  ability  to  examine  themfelves. 

Q^  178.   What  is  prayer  ? 

A.  Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  defires  unto 
God  in  the  name  of  Chrift,  by  the  help  of  his 
Spirit;  with  confeflion  of  our  fins,  and  thankiul 
acknowledgment  ot  his  mercies. 

Q^    179.  Are  we  to  pray  unto  God  only? 

A,  God  only  being  able  to  fearch  the  hearts, 
hear  the  requeft,  pardon  the  fins,  and  fulfil  the 
defires  of  al!  ;  and  only  to  be  believed  in,  and 
worfhipped  with  religious  worlhip  :  prayer,  which 
i-  a  fpecial  part  thereof,  is  to  be  made  by  all  to 
him  alone,  and  to  none  other. 

CX    1 8c.   What  is  it  to  pray  in  the  name  of  Chrijl  ? 

A.  To  pray  in  the  name  of  Chrift,  is,  in  obe- 
dience to  his  command,  and  in  confidence  on  his 

promifes 


The  Larger  Co:.         u  tcj 

)romifes,  to  afk  mercy  tor  his  fake:  nor  by  bear 
nentioning  of  his  rume  ;  but  by  drawing  oiir  en- 
;ouragement  to  pray,  and  our  boldnefs,  ltrength, 
ind  hope  of  acceptance  in  prayer,  from  Chfift  and 
lis  mediation. 

Q^  1 8 1 .  Why  are  we  H  pray  in  :  »:e  of  Ct  rift  ? 

A.  The  finfulnefs  of  man,  and  hisdulance  irom 
3od  bv  reafon  thereof,  heir  reat,  as    that  he 

i  have  no  accefs  into  his  pre  fence  without  ame- 
iiator ;  and  there  bein^  none  in  heaven  and  earth 
Appointed  to,  or  fit  ior,  that  glorious  work  but 
Chrift  alone  \  we  are  to  pray  in  no  other  name  but 

i  only. 

Q.   182.  H;w  doth  thefpirit  help  us  to  fntf  f 
A.  We  not  knowing  what   to   pray    for  as  we 
3iight,  the  fpirit   helpeth  our  infirmities,  by  ena- 
bling us  to  undenfand  both  for  whom,  and  what, 
and  how  prayer  is  to  be   made  ;    and  by  working 
and  quickening  in  our  hearts    although  not  in  all 
perfons,  nor  at  all  times  in  the  fame  meafure)  thofe 
apprehenfions,  affedions  and  graces,  which  are  re- 
quilite  for  the  right  performance  of  that  dur 
Q.   183.   i7;/-  whom  are  we  to  pray  t 
A.    We  are  to  pray  for  the  whole  church 
Chrift  upon  earth,   for  magistrates  and   miniiters, 
for  ourfelves,  our  brethren,  yea  our  enemies  ;   and 
for  all  forts  of  men  living,  or  that  mail  live  here- 
after ;  but  not   for    the  dead,   nor  for  thofe  that 
are  known  to  have  finned  the  fin  unto  death. 
Q^  184.   F:r  what  things  are  we  to  pray} 
A,  We  are  to  pray  for  all  things  tending  to  the 
glory  of  God,  the  welfare  of  the  church,  our   own 
or  others  good  ;   but  not  for  any  thing  that  is  un- 
lawful. 

Q,  158. 


104  The  Larger  Catechifm. 

Q^   1535.  How  are  we  to  pray} 

A.  We  are  to  pray  with  an  awful  apprehenfi- 
on  of  the  majefty  of  God,  and  deep  fenfe  of  our 
own  unworthinefs,  neceflities  and  iins  ;  with  peni- 
tent, thankful  and  enlarged  hearts;  with  under- 
standing, faith,  fincerity,  fervency,  love  and  perfe- 
verance,  waiting  upon  him  with  humble  fubmiili- 
on  to  his  will. 

Q.  186.  ll'lwt  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direc- 
tion in  the  ditty  of  prayer  ? 

A.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  ufe  to  direct 
us  in  the  duty  of  praying  ;  but  the  fpecial  rule  of 
direction  is  that  form  of  prayer  which  our  faviour 
Chuff,  taught  his  difciples,  commonly  called,  The 
Lord's  Prayer. 

Q.    i  8"/ .    How  is  the  Lord's  Prayer  to  be  ufed: 

A,  The  Lord's  Prayer  is  not  only  for  direction, 
as  a  pattern  according  to  which  we  are  to  make 
other  prayers  ;  but  may  be  alfo  uftd  as  a  prayer,  fo 
that  it  be  done  with  underftanding,  faith,  reverence, 
and  other  graces  neceilary  to  the  right  performance 
of  the  duty  of  prayer. 

Q^  188.  Of  how  many  parts  doth  the  Lord's  Pray- 
$r  cotifijl  ? 

A.  The  Lord's  Prayer  confifts  of  three  parts, 
a  preface,  petitions  and  a  concluiion. 

Q^  189,  What  doth  the  preface  of  the  Lord's  Pray- 
er teach  us} 

A.  The  preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  (contained 
in  thefe  words,  Our  father  who  art  in  heaven) 
teacheth  us,  when  we  pray,  to  draw  near  to  God 
with  confidence  of  his  fatherly  goodnefs,  and  our 
intereft  therein  ;  with  reverence,  and  all  other 
child-like  difpoiitions,  heavenly  affections,  and  due 
apprehenfions  of  his  fovereign  power,  majeity  and 
gracious  condefcenfion  :  as  alfo  to  pray  with  and 
Tor  others.  Q.   190. 


The  Larger  Catechifm.  105 

Q^  190.   What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  firft petition  P 

A.  In  the  firlt  petition  (which  is,  hallowed  be 
thy  name)  acknowledging  the  utter  inability  and  in- 
difpofition  that  is  in  ourfelves  and  all  men  to  ho- 
nour God  aright,  we  pray,  that  God  would  by  his 
grace  enable  and  incline  us  and  others  to  know, 
to  acknowledge,  and  highly  to  cfteem  him,  his  ti- 
tles, attributes,  ordinances,  word,  works,  and  what- 
foever  he  is  pleafed  to  make  himfelf  known  by  ; 
and  to  glorify  him  in  thought,  wrord  and  deed : 
That  he  would  prevent  and  remove  atheifm,  igno- 
rance, idolatry,  profanenefs,  and  whatfoever  is 
difhonourable  to  him  ;  and,  by  his  over-ruling 
providence,  direct  and  difpofe  of  all  things  to  his 
own  glory. 

Q.     191.     What   do    we  pray  for   in  the  fecond 
petition  ?, 

A.  In  the  fecond  petition  (which  is,  Thy  king- 
dim  come)  acknowledging  Qurfelves  and  all  man- 
kind to  be  by  nature  under  the  dominion  of  fin 
and  fatan,  we  pray ,  that  the  kingdom  of  fin  and 
fatan  may  be  deftroyed,  the  gofpel  propagated 
throughout  the  world,  the  jews  called,  the  fulnefs 
ot  the  gentiles  brought  in  ;  the  church  furnifhed 
with  all  gofpel-orricers  and  ordinances,  purged 
from  corruption,  countenanced  and  maintained  by 
the  civil  magistrate :  That  the  ordinances  dfChrift 
may  be  purely  difpenfed,  and  made  effectual  to 
the  converting  of  thofe  that  are  yet  in  their  fins, 
and  the  confirming,  comforting  and  building  up 
of  thofe  that  are  already  converted:  That  Chriit. 
would  rule  in  our  hearts  here,  and  haften  the  time 
of  his  fecond  coming,  and  our  reigning  with  him 
for  ever  :  And  that  he  would  be  pleafed  foto  exer- 
cife  the  kingdom  of  his  power  in  all  the  world, 
as  may  belt  conduce  to  thefeends. 

Q_  19-- 


ic6 


The  Lorger  Catechifm. 


Q^   192.     What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  pe- 
tition ? 

A.  In  the  third  petition  (which  is  Thy  will  he 
done  in  earthy  as  it  is  in  heaven)  acknowledging 
that  by  nature  we  and  all  men  are  not  only  utterly 
unable  and  unwilling  to  know  and  do  the  will  ol  God,, 
but  prone  to  rebel  againit  his  word,  to  repine  and 
murmur  againft  his  providence,  and  wholly  inclin- 
ed to  do  the  will  of  the  flefh,  and  of  the  devil  :- 
We  pray,  that  God  would  by  his  fpirit  take  away 
from  ourfelves  and  others  all  blindnefs,  weaknefs,. 
indifpofednefs,  and  perverfenefs  of  heart,  and  by 
his  grace  make  us  able  and  willing,  to  know, 
do,  and  fubmit  to  his  will  in  all  things,  with  the 
like  humility,  cheerfulnefs ,  faithfulnefs,  diligence, 
zeal,  fincerity  and  constancy,  as  the  Angels  do  in 
heaven. 

Qj.  x93-    What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fourth  pe- 
tit io?i  ? 

A.  In  the  fourth  petition  (which  is,  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread)  acknowledging  that  in  Adamy. 
and  by  our  own  fin,,  we  have  forfeited  our  right 
to  all  the  outward  bleffings  of  this  life,  and  deferve 
to  be  wholly  deprived  of  them  by  God,  and  to  have 
them  curfed  to  us  in  the  ufe  of  them  ;  and  that 
neither  they  of  themfelves  are  able  to  fuftain  us, 
nor  we  to  merit,  or  by  our  own  induftry  to  pro- 
cure them  ;  but  prone  to  delire,  get,  and  ufe  them 
unlawfully :  We  pray  for  ourfelves  and  others, 
that  both  they  and  we,  waiting  upon  the  provi- 
dence of  God  irom  day  to  day  in  the  ufe  of  lawful 
means,  may  of  his  free  gift,  and  as  to  his  fatherly 
wifdom  fhall  feem  bed,  enjoy  a  competent  portion 
of  them,  and  have  the  fame  continued  and  bleifed 
unto  us  in  our  holy  and  comfortable  ufe  of  them, 
and  contentment  in  them ;  and  be  kept  from  all- 
things 


T/je  Larger  Catechifm.  107 

things  that  arc  eonrrary  to  our  temporal   fupport 
and  comfort, 

Q^    194.    What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  pe- 
tition ? 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition  (which  is  Forgive  our 
debts ,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors)  acknowledging  that 
we  and  all  others  are  guilty  both  of  original  and 
actual  fin,  and  thereby  become  debtors  to  the  jnftice 
of  God  ;  and  that  neither  we  nor  any  other  crea- 
ture can  make  the  leaft  fatisfa&ion  for  that  debt: 
We  pray  for  ourfelves  and  others,  that  God  of  his 
free  grace  would,  through  the  obedience  and  fatif- 
faftion  of  Chrift  apprehended  and  applied  by  faith, 
acquit  us  both  from  the  guilt  and  puniihment  of 
fin,  accept  us  in  his  beloved,  continue  his  favour 
and  grace  to  us,  pardon  our  daily  failings,  and  fill 
us  with  p  ace  and  joy,  in  giving  us  daily  more  and 
more  arTurancc  of  forgivenefs;  which  we  are  the 
rather  emboldened  to  atk,  and  encouraged  to  expect, 
when  we  have  this  teltimony  in  ourfelves,  that 
we  from  the  heai  t  forgive  others  their  offences. 

Q^   195.    What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fixth  p$- 
titiun  ? 

A.  In  the  fixth  petition  (which  is,  And  lead  us 
not  into  temptation^  but  deliver  us  from  evil)  acknow- 
ledging that  the  molt  wife,  righteous  and  gracious 
God,  tor  divers  holy  and  juft  ends,  may  fo  order 
things,  that  we  may  be  arTaulted,  toiled,  and  for  a 
time  led  captiv  by  temptation  ;  that  fatan,  the  world 
and  the  flelh,  are  ready  powerfully  to  draw  us  afide, 
and  tnfnare  us  \  and  that  we,  even  after  the  par- 
don of  our  fins,  by  reafon  of  our  corruption,  weak- 
nefs  and  want  of  watchtulnefs,  are  not  only  fub- 
je&  to  be  tempted,  and  for  vard  to  expofe  ourfelves 
unto  temptations ;  but  a'fo  ot  ourfelves  unable  and 
unwilling  to  refift  them,  to  recover  out   of  them, 

and 


108  The  Larger  Catechijm. 

and  to  improve  them;  and  worthy  to  be  left  under 
the  power  of  them  :  We  pray,  that  God  would  fo 
over-rule  the  world  and  all  in  it,  fubdue  the  fleih, 
and  reitrain  fatan,  order  all  things,  beftow  and  blefs 
all  means  of  grace,  and  quicken  us  to  watchfulnefs 
in  the  ufe  of  them ;  that  we  and  all  his  people 
may  by  his  providence  be  kept  from  being  tempted 
to  fin  ;  or,  if  tempted,  that  by  his  fpirit  we  may 
be  powerfully  fupported  and  enabled  to  (land  in 
the  hour  of  temptation  ;  or,  when  fallen,  raifed  a- 
gain  and  recovered  out  of  it,  and  have  a  fandtified 
ufe  and  improvement  thereof:  that  our  fanclifica- 
tion  and  falvation  may  be  perfected,  fatan  trodden 
under  our  feet,  and  we  fully  freed  from  fin,  temp- 
tation, and  all  evil  for  ever. 

Q^  196.  What  doth  the  conclujion  of  the  Lord's 
Prayer  teach  us  r 

A.  The  conclufion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  (which 
is,  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory  for  ever,  Amen)  teacheth  us  to  enforce  our  pe- 
titions with  arguments,  which  are  to  be  taken, 
not  from  any  worthinefs  in  ourfelves,  or  in  any 
other  creature,  but  from  God  :  and  with  our  pray- 
ers to  join  praifes,  afcribing  to  God  alone  eternal 
fovereignty,  omnipotency,  and  glorious  excellency  ; 
in  regard  whereof,  as  he  is  able  and  willing  to 
help  us,  fo  we  by  faith  are  emboldened  to  plead 
-with  him  that  he  would,  and  quietly  to  rely  upon 
him  that  he  will  fulfill  our  requefts.  And  to  tef- 
tify  our  defires  and  aflurance,  we  fay,  Amen* 


FINIS. 


i^i.  i.  Aa  ^A  t^vA  4^1  tAj:  tAA  iXt  ?Jft^  fj^±  «Al  ff<^  tAg 

THE 

SHORTER    CATECHISM, 

RATIFIED  and  ADOPTED 

BY      THE 

s    T   N    O    D 

OF    NEW-YORK,    AND    PHILADELPHIA. 


*!$••$"$•  •$"$•$"$•  &  -4*4"4*  $*  %  *$"§•  $••$"$•  $•  ♦■$♦ 


THE 


SHORTER   CATECHISM, 


Queftion  I.  J T/'H AT  is  the  chief  end  of  man? 

*        Anfwer.  Man's  chief  end  is,   to 
glorify  God,  and  to   enjoy  him  for  ever. 

Q^  2.  What  rule  hath  God  given  to  direcl  us  how 
we  may  ghrify  and  enjoy  him  ? 

A.  The  word  of  God,  which  is  contained  in  the 
fcriptures  of  the  old  and  new  teftaments,  is  the  only 
rule  to  direct  us  how  we  may  glorify  and  enjoy 
him. 

Q^  3 .    JFhat  do  the  fcriptures  principally  teach  ? 

A*  The  fcriptures  principally  teach,  what  man 
is  to  believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God 
requires  of  man. 

Q.  4.  Wfaf  is  GOD  P 

A.  God  is  a  Spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and  un- 
changeable in  his  being,  wifdom,  power,  holinefs, 
juftice,  goodnefs  and  truth. 

Q^  5.   Are  there  more  Gods  than  one? 

A.  There  is  but  one  only,  the    living  and   true 

God. 


1 1 2  5 'he  Shorter  Catechifm. 

Q^  6.  How  many  perfons  are  there  in  the  God- 
head ? 

A-  There  are  three  perfons  in  the  Godhead ; 
the  father,  the  fon,  and  the  holy  ghoft  ;  and  thefc 
three  are  one  God,  the  fame  in  fubfiance,  equal  iu 
power  and  glory. 

CX   7.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God? 

A.  The  decrees  of  God  are,  his  eternal  purpofc 
according  to  the  counfel  of  his  will,  whereby,  for 
his  own  glory,  he  hath  fore-ordained  whatsoever 
comes  to  pafs. 

CX    8 .   How  doth  Gcd  execute  his  decrees  P 

A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of 
creation  and  providence. 

CX   9.    What  is  the  work  of  creation  ? 

A.  The  work  of  creation  is,  God's  making  all 
things  of  nothing,  by  the  word  ot  his  power  in 
the  fpace  of  fix  days,  and  all  very  good. 

CK    1  o.  Hew  did  God  create  man  f 
.   God  created  man  male  and  female,  after  his 
own  image,  in  knowledge,  righteoufnefs  and  holi- 
nefs,  with  dominion  over  the  creatures. 

CK    1 1 .   What  are  God''  s  works  of  providence  ? 

A.  God's  works  of  providence  are,  his  mod  ho- 

\v;fc,  and  powerful  preferving,  and  governing 
allhis  creatures,  and  all  their  aitions. 

Q.  12.  What f pedal  a  Si  of  providence  did  Gcd  ex- 
ercife  toward  man  in  the  eft  ate  wherein    he  was  en- 

A.  When  God   had   created   man,  he    entered 

>  a  covenant  of  life  with  him,    upon    condition 

of  pcrfedt  obedience;  forbidding  him  to  eat  ol  the 

tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon  pain   of 

death. 

Q.  13.  Did  cur  frft  parents  continue  in  the  e fate 
wherein  they  were  created} 

A.  Our 


The  Shorter  Catechifm ,  113 

A.  Our  firft  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom 
of  their  own  will,  fell  from  the  eftate  wherein  they 
were  created,  by  finning  againft  God. 

Q.   14.   What  is  Jin: 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  tranf- 
greilion  of  the  law  of  God. 

Q.  1  v  PVhat  was  the  fin  whereby  our  firji  pa- 
rents fell  from  the  ejiate  wherein  they  were  created? 

A.  The  fin  whereby  our  firft  parents  fell  from 
the  eftate  wherein  they  were  created,  was  their 
eating  the  forbidden  fruit. 

Q^  16,  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  Adam'  sfirjl  tranf- 
grefjion  ? 

A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam,  not 
only  for  himfelf,  but  for  his  pofterity,  all  mankind 
defcending  from  him  by  ordinary  generation,  fin- 
ned in  him,  and  fell  with  him  in  his  firft  tranfgref- 
fion. 

Q^  1 7 .  Into  what  ejiate  did  the  fall  bring  man- 
kind. 

yf.  The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  eftate  of 
fin  and  mifery. 

Qj  18.  IVherein  confifts  the  finfulnejs  of  that  ejiate 
wherein  to  man  fell} 

A.  The  finfulnefs  of  that  eftate,  whereinto  man 
fell,  confifts  in  the  guilt  of  Adams  firft  fin,  the 
want  of  original  righteoufnefs,  and  the  corruption 
of  his  whole  nature,  which  is  commonly  called  ori- 
ginal fin;  together  with  all  actual  tranfgreftions-. 
which  proceed  from  it. 

Q^  19.  What,  is  the  mifery  of  that  ejiate  ivhere- 
into  man  fell} 

A.  All  mankind  by  their  fall  loft  communion 
Tvith  God,  are  under  his  wrath  and  curfe,  and  fo 
made  liable  to  all  the  miferies  of  this  life,  to  death 
itfelf,  and  to  the  pains  of  hell  for  ever. 

K  3.  Qi,  20. 


I  [4  The  Shorter  Catechijm. 

Q.   20.  Did  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perijh  in  the 
ejlate  of  Jin  and  mifery  P 

A.  God  having  out  of  his  mere  good  pleafure 
from  all  eternity  elected  fome  to  everlafting  life, 
did  enter  into  a  covenant  of  grace,  to  deliver  them 
out  of  the  eftate  cf  fin  and  mifery,  and  to  bring 
them  into  an  eftate  of  falvation  by  a  redeemer. 
CK  2 1 .  Who  is  the  redeemer  if  God's  eleel  P 
A.  The  only  redeemer  of  God's  elecl  is  the 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  who,  being  the  eternal  fon  of 
God,  became  man,  and  fo  was  and  continueth  to 
be  God  and  Man  in  two  diftindl  natures,  and  one 
perfon  for  ever. 

Q.  22.  How  did  Chrijl  being  the  fon  of  God  be- 
come man  ? 

A*  Chrift,  the  fon  of  God,  became  man,  by 
taking  to  himfelf  a  true  body,  and  a  reafonable 
foul,  being  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  holy 
ghoft,  in  the  womb  ot  the  virgin  Mary,  and  born 
of  her,  yet  without  fin. 

Q.  23.  fFJjat  offices  doth  Chrijl  execute  as  our  Re- 
deerner  ? 

A.  Chrift,  as  our  Redeemer,  executeth  the  of- 
fices of  a  Prophet,  of  a  Prieft  and  oi  a  King,  both 
in  his  eftate  of  humiliation  and  exaltation. 

Q.  24.  How  doth  Chrijl  execute  the  office  of  a 
Prophet  ? 

A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  Prophet,  in 
revealing  to  us,  by  his  wrord  and  fpirit,  the  will  o( 
God  for  falvation. 

Q^  25.  How  doth  Chrijl  execute  the  office  of  a 
Prteji? 

A,  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  Prieft,  in  his 
once  offering  up  of  himfelf  a  f;crifice  to  fatisfy  di- 
vine juftice,  and  reconcile  us  to  God,  and   inak; 
continual  interceffion  for  us. 

Q.  26, 


The  Shorter  CaUchifm*  115 

Q^  26.  How  doth  Cbrlji  execute  the  office  of  a- 
King  '? 

A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  King,  in 
fubduing  us  to  himfelf,  in  ruling,  and  defending 
us,  and  in  reftraining  and  conquering  all  his  and 
our  enemies. 

Q^  27.  Wherein  did  Chriff  s  humiliation  confijl  ? 
A  Chrift's  humiliation  confided  in  his  being 
born,  and  that  in  a  low  condition,  made  under  the 
law,  undergoing  the  miferies  of  this  life,  the  wrath 
of  God  and  the  curfed  death  of  the  crofs  ;  in  be- 
ing buried,  and  continuing  under  the  power  of 
death  for  a  time. 

Q^  28.  Wherein  conjijieth  Chrijf s  exaltation? 
A*  Chrift's  exaltation  confiileth  in  his  riling  a- 
gain  from  the  dead  on  the  third  day,  in  afcending  up 
into  heaven,  in  fitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God 
the  father,  and  in  coming  to  judge  the  world  at 
the  laft  day. 

Q^  29.  How  are  we  made  partakers  of  the  redemp- 
tion par  chafed  by  Chrift  r 

A<  We  are  made  partakers  of  the  redemption 
purchafed  by  Chrift,  by  the  effectual  application  of 
it  to  us  by  his  holy  fpirit. 

Q^  30,  How  doth  the  fpirit  apply  to  us  the  redemp- 
tion purchafed  by  Chrijl  ? 

A.  The  fpirit  applyeth  to  us  the  redemption 
purchafed  by  Chrift,  by  working  faith  in  us,  and 
thereby  uniting  us  to  Chrift,  in  our  effectual  cal- 
ling. 

Q^  31.  What  is  effectual  calling. 

A.  Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God's  fpi- 

nt,  whereby,  convincing  us  of  our  fin  and  mifery, 

enlightening     our  minds    in   the    knowledge    or 

Chrift,  and  renewing  our  will,  he  doth  perfuade 

and 


m6  The  Shorter  Catechifm, 

and  enable  us  to  embrace  Jefus  Clirifr,  freely  offer- 
ed to  us  in  thegofpel. 

Q^  32.  What  benefits  do  they  that  are  effectually 
called  partake  of  in  this  life: 

A.  They  that  are  effectually  called  do  in  this 
life  partake  of  juftification,  adoption,  fan&ification, 
and  the  feveral  benefits  which  in  this  Jife  do  either 
accompany  or  flow  from  them. 

CK  33.  What  is  justification} 

A.  J  unification  is  an  a£l  of  God's  free  grace, 
wherein  he  pardoneth  all  our  fins,  and  accepteth 
us  as  righteous  in  his  fight,  only  for  the  righte- 
oufnefs  of  Chrift  imputed  to  us,  and  received  by 
faith  alone. 

Q^  34..  What  is  adoption  ? 

A>  Adoption    is    an   aft  of  God's   free   grace, 
whereby  we   are  received  into  the  number,    and 
have  a   right  to   all  the  privileges,  of  the  fons  of 
God. 

Q:  35-  What  isfanclification} 

A.  Sanclification  is  the  work  of  God's  free 
grace,  whereby  we  are  renewed  in  the  whole  man 
after  the  image  of  God,  and  are  enabled  more  and 
more  to  die  unto  fin,  and  live  unto  righteoufnefs. 

Q.  36.  What  are  the  benefits  which  in  this  life  do 
accompany  or   flow    from  justification,    adoption,  and 
fanclification  ? 

A.  The  benefits  which  in  this  life  do  accompany 
or  flow  from  jufiification,  adoption,  and  fanclifi- 
cation, are,  alltirance  of  God's  love,  peace  of  con- 
fcience,  joy  in  the  holy  Ghoft,  increafe  of  grace, 
and  perfeverance  therein  to  the  end. 

Q.  37.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from 
Chrift  at  their  death  \ 

A,  The  fouls  of  believers  are  at  their  death 
made  perfect  in  holinefs,  and  do  immediately  pafs 

into 


The  Shorter  Catechifrn.  117 

into  glory  ;  and  their  bodies,  being  ftill  united  to 
Chriit,  do  reft  in  their    graves   till  therefurrection* 

Q^  38.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from 
Chrijl  at  the  refurreclion  ? 

A.  At  the  refurredtion,  believers,  being  raifed 
up  to  glory,  lhall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  ac- 
quitted in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  made  perfect- 
ly bleifed  in  the  full  enjoying  of  God  to  all  eternity  #■ 

Q.  39.  What  is  the  duty  -which  God  requireth  of 
man  r 

A.  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man,  is 
obedience  to  his   revealed  will. 

Q^  40.  What  did  God  at  firji  reveal  to  man  for  the' 
rule  of  his  obedience  ? 

A.  The  rule  wrhich  God  at  firft  revealed  to 
man,  for  his  obedience,  was  the  moral  law. 

Q^  41.  Wherein  is  the  moral  law  jummarily  com- 
prehended i 

A.    The  moral  law  is  fummarily  comprehended 
in  the  ten  commandments. 
Q^  42.    What  is  the  fum  of  the  ten  commandments} 

A.  The  fum  of  the  ten  commandments  is,  To 
loye  the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our  heart,  with  all 
our  foul,  with  all  our  ftrength,  and  with  all  our 
mind;   and  our  neighbour  as  ourfelves, 

Q^  43.  What  is  the  preface  to  the  ten.  command- 
ments  ? 

A,  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is  in 
thefe   words,    I    am   the    Lord    thy    God,   which 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  out  of 
the  houfe  of  bondage. 

Q^  44.  What  doth  the  preface  to  the  ten  com** 
mandments  teach  us  f 

A.    The   preface    to    the    ten    commandments 

icheth  us,  That  becaufe  God  is  the  Lord, 
and    our    God,     and    Redeemer  \    therefore    we 

are 


Ii8  The  Shorter  Catechifn. 

are     bound    to    keep     all     his  commandments^. 

Q.   45.  Which  is  the  firjl  commandment  P 

A.  The  firft  commandment  is,  Thou  fhalt  have 
no  other  Gods  before  Me. 

Q^  46.  What  is  required  in  the  firft  commandment  ? 

A.  The  firft  commandment  requireth  us  to 
know,  and  acknowledge  God  to  be  the  only  true 
God,  and  our  God  •  and  to  worfliip  and  glorify 
him  accordingly. 

Q^  47.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  jirji  command- 
ment  f 

A.  The  firft  commandment  forbiddeth  the  de- 
nying, or  not  worfhipping  and  glorifying  the  true 
God,  as  God,  and  our  God  ;  and  the  giving  that 
worfliip  and  glory  to  any  other,  which  is  due  to 
him  alone. 

Q^  48.  TJ^.at  are  we  J  pea  ally  taught  by  thefe 
words  (Before  Me)  in  the  fir Jl  commandment  ? 

A,  Thefe  words  (Bsfore  Me)  in  the  firft  com- 
mandment, teach  us,  that  God,  who  feeth  all 
things,  taketh  notice  of,  and  is  much  difpleafed 
with,  the  fin  of  having  any  other  god. 

Q.  49.   Which  is  the feeond  commandment} 

A.  The  fecond  commandment  is,  Thou  fhalt 
not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any  like- 
nefs  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that 
is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water 
under  the  earth  :  thou  fhalt  not  bow  down  thy- 
felf  to  them,  nor  ferve  them :  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous  God,  vifiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and  fourth 
generation  of  them  that  hate  me  :  and  fhewing 
mercy  unto  thoufands  of  them  that  love  me,  and 
keep  my  commandments. 

Q^.  50.  What  is  required  in  the  fecond  command- 
ment r 

A.   The 


The  Shorter  Catechifm.  119 

A.  The  fecond  commandment  requireth  the  re- 
ceiving, obferving  and  keeping  pure  and  entire,  all 
fuch  religious  worfhip  and  ordinances,  as  God 
bath  appointed  in  his  word. 

Q  ci,  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fecond  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  fecond  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
worfhipping  of  God  by  images,  or  any  other  way 
not  appointed  in  his  word. 

Q^  52.  What  are  the  reafons  annexed  to  the  fectnd 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reafons  annexed  to  the  fecond  com- 
mandment are,  God's  fovereignty  over  us,  his  pro- 
priety in  us,  and  the  zeal  he  hath  to  his  own 
worfliip. 

Qi  53*    Which  is  the  third  commandment  ? 
A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  (halt  not 
take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  :    for 
the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltlefs  that  taketh 
his  name  in  vain. 

Q^  54.  What  is  required  in  the  third  command- 
ment .? 

A.  The  third  commandment  requireth  the  holy 
and  reverend  ufe  of  God's  name,  titles,  attributes, 
ordinances,  word  and  works. 

Q^  55.  IVhat  is  forbidden  in  the  third  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  third  commandment  forbiddeth  all  pro- 
faning or  abufing  of  any  thing  whereby  God 
maketh  himfelf  known. 

Q^  56.  What  is  the  rtafon  annexed  to  the  third 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reafon  annexed  to  the  third  command- 
ment is,  That  however  the  breakers  of  this  com- 
mandment may  efcape  punifhment  from  men,  yet 
the  Lord  our  God  will  not  fuffer  them  to  efcape 
his  righteous  judgment.  Qi  57* 


I2o  The  Shorter  Catechifm. 

Q±  57.    Which  is  the  fourth  commandment  r 

A.  The  fourth'  commandment  is,  Remember 
the  fabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  (halt 
thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work;  but  the  feventh 
day  is  the  fabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in  it  thou 
fhalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  fon,  nor  thy 
daughter,  thy  man-fervant,  nor  thy  maid-fervant, 
nor  thy  cattle,  nor  the  ftranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates.  For  in  fix  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and 
earth,  the  fea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  refted 
the  feventh  day;  wherefore  the  Lord  blefTed  the 
fabbath-day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Q^  58.  IVhat  is  required  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  requireth  the 
keeping  holy  to  God,  fuch  fet  times  as  he  hath 
appointed  in  his  word  ;  exprefly  one  whole  day  in 
feven,  to  be  a  holy  fabbath  to  himfelf. 

Q^  59.  iVhlch  day  0]  the  J  event  h  hath  God  ap- 
pointed to  be  the  weekly.  Jabb at h  r 

A.  Pr  )  n  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  re- 
furre&ion  of  Chrift,  God  appointed  the  feventh 
day  of  the  week  to  be  the  weekly  fabbath  ;  and 
the  firft  day  of  the  week,  ever  fince,  to  continue  to 
the  end  of  the  world,  which  is  the  Chriitijn  fab- 
bath. 

Q^   60.   How  is  the  fabbath  to  be  fantlified} 

A.  The  fabbath  is  to  be  fanclified  by  a  holy 
refting  all  that  day,  even  from  fuch  worldly  em- 
ployments and  recreations  as  are  lawful  on  other 
days;  and  fpending  the  whole  time  in  the  public 
and  private  exercifes  ot  God's  worfhip,  except  fo 
much  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necei- 
fity  and  mercy. 

Q^  61.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment  I 

A.   The 


The  Shorter  Cattchifm.  121 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
omiilion  or  carelefs  performance  of  the  duties  re- 
quired, and  the  profaning  the  day  by  idlenefs,  or 
doing  that  which  is  in  itfelf  finful,  or  by  unnecef- 
fary  thoughts,  words  or  works,  about  our  worldly 
employments  and  recreations* 

Q^  62.  What  are  the  reafons  annexed  to  the  fourth    - 
commandment  ? 

A.   The   reafons   annexed  to  the  fourth   com- 
mandment are  God's  allowing  us  fix  days  qf  the 
week  for  our  own  employments,  his  challenging 
a  fpecial   propriety  in  the   feventh,  his  own  ex- 
ample, and  his  blcffing  the  fabbath-day. 
Q^  63.  Which  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 
A.  The   fifth  -  commandment    is,   Honour  thy 
father  and  thy  mother  :  that  thy  days  rmy  b^  long 
upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 
Q.  64.  What  is  required  in  the  fifth  commandment  \ 
A.  The  fifth  commandment  requireth  the  pre- 
ferving  the  honour,  and  performing  the  duties  be- 
longing to  every  one  in  their  feveral   places  and 
relations,  as  fuperiors,  inferiors,  or  equals. 

Q^  65.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fifth  command- 
merit  ? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  ne- 
glecting of,  or  doing  any  thing  againft,  the  honour 
and  duty  which  belongeth  to  every  one  in  their 
feveral  places  and  relations. 

Q^  66.  What  is  the  reafon  annexed  to  the  fifth 
CQmmandment  ? 

A.   The  reafon  annexed  to  the  fifth   command- 
ment is,  a  promife  of  long  life  and  profperity  (as 
far  as  it  (hall  ferve  for  God's  glory,  and  their  own 
good)  to  all  fuch  as  keep  this  commandment, 
Q^  67,  Which  is  thejixth  commandment} 

L  A.  The 


122  The  Shorter  Catecbifm. 

A.  The  fixth  commandment  is,  Thou/halt  not 
hill 

Q^  68.  What  is  require  in  the  fixth  command- 
went  ? 

A*  The  fixth  commandment  requireth  all  law- 
ful endeavours  to  preferve  our  own  life,  and  the 
life  of  others. 

Q.  69.  Ifliat  is  forbidden  in  the  fixth  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  fixth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  ta- 
king away  of  our  own  life,  or  the  life  ot  our  neigh- 
bour unjuftly,  or  whatfoever  ttndeth  thereunto. 

Q^  7  o .  Which  is  the  feventh  commandment  P 

A.  The  feventh  commandment  is,  Thou/halt  not 
commit  adultry. 

iQ.  71.  What  is  required  in  the  feventh  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  feventh  commandment  requireth  the 
prefervation  of  our  own  and  our  neighbour's  chaf- 
tity,  in  heart,  fpeech  and  behaviour. 

Q^  72.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  feventh  command- 
ment P 

A.  The  feventh  commandment  for  biddethall 
unchafle  thoughts,  words  and  actions. 

Qi  73*   Which  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.    The  eighth  commandment  is,  7 hou  jhalt  not 

JleaL 

Q^  74.  What  is  required  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment. 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  requireth  the  law- 
ful procuring  and  furthering  the  wealth  and  out- 
ward eftate  of  ourfelves  and.  others. 

Q:  75*  What  is  forbidden  in  the  eighth  command- 
mint  t 

A.  The 


The  Shorter  Catechifm.  123 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  forbiddeth  what- 
foever  doth,  or  may,  unjuftly  hinder  our  own,  or 
our  neigbour's  wealth  or  outward  eftate. 

Q^  76.   Which  is  the  ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  Jh alt  not 
bear  falfe  witnefs  againji  thy  neighbour. 

CK  77.  What  is  required  in  the  ninth  command^ 
ment  f 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  requireth  the 
maintaining  and  promoting  of  truth  between  man 
and  mm,  and  oi:  our  own  and  our  neighbour's  good 
narn^,  efpecially  in  witnefs  bearing. 

Q^  78.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  ninth  commandr- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  forbiddeth  what 
foever  is  prejudicial  to  truth,  or  injurious  to  our 
own,  or  our  neighbour's  g  >od  name. 

Q^  79.    Which  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  comm indment  is,  Thou  /halt  not 

covet  thy  neighbour's  houfe,   thou  /halt  not   covet   thy 

neighbour  s  zv'fe,  nor  his  man-fervant,  nor  his  maid- 

fervanty  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  afs,  nor  any  thing  that    is 

thy  neighbour's. 

Q^  80.  What  is  required  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  requireth  full  con- 
tentment with  our  own  condition,  with  a  right 
and  charitable  frame  of  fpirit  toward  our  neigh- 
bour, and  all  that  is  his. 

Q^  81.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment P 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  forbiddeth  all  dis- 
contentment with  our  own  eftate,  envying  or  griev- 
ing  at  the  good  of  our  neighbour,  and  all  inordi- 
nate motions  and  affections  to  any  thing  that  is 
his. 

L  2  Q.  82 


124  The  Shorter  Catechifm. 

Q.  82.  Is  any  man  able  perf eel Jy  to  keep  the  com* 
mandments  of  God? 

A.   No  mere   man,  fince    ihe  fall,  is   able,   in 

is  life,  perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments  of 
God ;  but  doth  daily  break  them,  in  thought,  word, 
and  deed. 

Q^  83.  Are  all  trarifgrejjions  of  the  law  equally 
heinous  r 

A.  Some  fins  in  themfelves,  and  by  reafon  of 
feveral  aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the  fight 
of  God  than  others. 

Q.   g4.   What  doth  every  Jin  deferve  ? 

A.  Every  fin  deferveth  God's  wrath  and  curfe, 
both  in  this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

Ch  85.  What  doth  God  require  of  us,  that  we  may 
ejeape  his  wrath  and  curfe ,  due  to  us  for  Jin  ? 

A.  To  efcape  the  wrath  and  curfe  of  God,  due 
to  us  for  fin,  God  requireth  of  us  faith  in  Jefus 
Chrift,  repentance  unto  life,  with  the  diligent  ufe 
of  all  the  outward  means  whereby  Chrift  commu- 
riicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption. 

Ch  86.  What  is  faith  in  Jefus  Chifti 

A.  Faith  in  Jefus  Chrift  is  a  faving  grace, 
whereby  we  receive  and  reft  upon  him  alone  for 
falvation,  as  he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  gofpel. 

Q^  87.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 

A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  faving  grace, 
whereby  a  finner,  out  of  the  true  fenfe  of  his  fin, 
and  apprehenfion  of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Chrift, 
doth,  with  grief  and  hatred  of  his  fin,  turn  from  it 
unto  God,  with  full  purpofe  of,  and  endeavour 
after,  new  obedience. 

Q^  88.  What  are  the  outward  and  ordinary  means 
whereby  Chrift  comnmnicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of 
redemption  ? 

A.  The 


The  Shorter  Cutechifnu  125 

A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means,  where- 
by Chrift  comrrunicatcth  to  us  the  benefits  of  re- 
demption, are,  his  ordinances,  efpecially  the  word, 
facraments  and  prayer  ;  all  which  are  made  effec- 
tual to  the  elect  for   falvation. 

Q^  89.  How  is  the  ivord  made  effectual  to  fal- 
vation ? 

A.  The  fpirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but 
efpecially  the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  effectual 
means  of  convincing  and  converting  finners,  and 
ol  building  them  up  in  holinefs,  and  comfort, 
through  faith  unto  falvation. 

Q.  90.  How  is  the  word  to  he  read  and  heard, 
that  it  may  become  effectual  to  falvation  ? 

A.  That  the  word  may  become  effectual  to 
falvation,  wemuft  attend  thereunto  with  diligence, 
preparation,  and  prayer  ;  receive  it  with  faith  and 
love,  lay  it  up  in  our  hearts,  and  practife  it  in  our 
lives. 

Q^  9 1 .  How  do  the  facraments  become  effectual 
means  of  falvation  r 

A.  The  facraments  become  effectual  means  of 
falvation,  not  from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in  him 
that  doih  adminifter  them,  but  only  by  the 
blcffing  of  Chrift,  and  the  working  of  his  fpirit  in 
them  that  by  faith  receive  them. 

Q^  92.    fVIjat  is  a  facrament  ? 

A.  A  facrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  inftituted 
by  Chrift  \  wherein,  by  fenfible  figns,  Chrift  and 
the  benefits  of  the  new  covenant  are  repre- 
fented,  fealed  and  applied  to  believers. 

Q.  93.  IVhich  are  the  facraments  of  the  new 
teflament  ? 

A.  The  facraments  of  the   new  Teftament  are,  * 
baptifm  and  the  Lord's  fupper. 

L  3  Q.  94, . 


1  -6  The  Shorter  Catechijm. 

Q.  94.  JVhat  is  baptifm  ? 

A.  Baptifm  is  a  facrament,  wherein  the  waffl- 
ing with  water,  in  the  name  of  the  father,  and  of 
the  fon,  and  of  the  holy  ghoft,  doth  fignify  and 
feal  our  ingrafting  into  Chrift,  and  partaking  of 
the  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  our  en- 
gagement to  be  the  Lord's. 

Q^  95.    To   whom  is  baptifm  to  he  adminiflered '? 

A,  Baptifm  is  not  to  be  adminiftered  to  any 
that  are  out  of  the  vifible  church,  till  they  profefs 
their  faith  in  Chrift,  and  obedience  to  him  ;  but 
the  infants  of  fuch  as  are  members  of  the  vifible 
church,  are  to  be  baptized. 

Q^  96.  What  is  the  Lord's  /upper  ? 

A*  The  Lord's  fupper  is  a  facrament,  wherein, 
by  giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine  according 
to  Chrift's  appointment,  his  death  is  fhewed  forth  ; 
and  the  worthy  receivers  are,  not  after  a  corporal 
and  carnal  manner,  but  by  faith,  made  partakers 
of  his  body  and  blood,  with  all  his  benefits,  to  their 
fpiritual  nouriihment  and  growth  in  grace. 

CX  97.  What  is  required  to  the  worthy  receiving 
of  i  h  e  L  0  rd?  s  J  upper  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  them  that  would  worthily 
partake  of  dl£  Lord's  fupper,  that  they  examine 
themfelves,  of  their  knowledge  to  difeern  the 
Lord's  body,  of  thf ir  faith  to  feed  upon  him,  of 
their  repentance,  love,  and  new  obedience;  left, 
coming  unworthily,  they  eat  and  drink  judgment 
to  themfelves. 

Q.   98.   IVh at  is  prayer  P 

A.  Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  defires  unto 
God,  for  things  agreeable  to  his  will  in  the   name 

Chrift,  with  confcilion  of  our  fins,  and  thank- 
ful acknowledgement  of  his  mercies. 

Q.  99. 


The  Shorter  Catechifm.  I  27 

Q.  99.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direction 
in  prayer? 

A.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  ufe  to  direct 
us  in  prayer,  but  the  fpecial  rule  of  direction  is 
that  form  ot  prayer  which  Chrift  taught  his  dii- 
ciples,  commonly  called,  The  Lord's  Prayer. 

Q^  100.  That  doth  the  preface  to  the  Lord's 
prayer  teach  us  ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  Lord's  prayer,  which  is, 
(Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven  J,  teacheth  us  to 
draw  near  to  God  with  all  holy  reverence  and  con- 
fidence, as  children  to  a  Father,  able  and  ready  to 
help  us,  and  that  we  fhould  pray  with  and  for 
others. 

Q^  1 01.  IVJiat  do  ive  pray  for  in  the  firft  petition? 

A.  In  the  firft  petition  which  is  [Hallowed  be 
Thy  name)  we  pray  that  God  would  enable  us  and 
others  to  glorify  him  in  all  that  whereby  he 
maketh  himfelf  known,  and  that  he  would  difpofe 
of  all  things  to  his  own  glory. 

Q^  102.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fecond petition* 

A.  In  the  fecond  petition,  which  is,  {Thy  king- 
dom come,)  we  pray  that  Satan's  kingdom  may  be 
deftroyed,  and  that  the  kingdom  of  grace  may  be 
advanced,  ourfelves  and  others  brought  into  it,  and 
kept  in  in,  and  that  the  kingdom  of  glory  may  be 
haftened. 

Q^    103.  JFhat  do  ive  pray  for  in  the  third  petition  r 

A.  In  the  third  petition,  which  is,  (Thy  will  be 
done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven),  we  pray  that  God 
by  his  grace  wouM  make  us  able  and  willing  to 
know,  obey,  and  fubmit  to  his  will  in  all  things, 
as  the  angels  do  in  heaven. 

CK  104.  That  do  we  pray  for in  the  fourth  petit:  on  ? 

A.  in 


128 


? 'he  Shorter  Cc:techifm. 


A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  which  is,  {Give  us  this 

:  cur  daily  bresdy)  we  pray  that  of  God's  free 
gilt  we  may  receive  a  competent  portion  of  the 
good  things  of  this  liie,  and  enjoy  his  blefling 
with  them. 

Q.  105.    tVhat  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  petition?. 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition,  which  is,  [And forgive  us 
cur  debts  as  we  fergive  our  debtors),  we  pray  that  God 
for  ChrifVs  fake,  would  freely  pardon  all  our  fins, 
which  we  are  the  rather  encouraged  to  afk,  becaufe 
by  his  grace  we  are  enabled  from  the  heart  to  for- 
give others 

Q.  106.  Wliat  do  we  pray  for  in  the  ftxth  petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fixth  petition,  which  is,  [And  lead  us 
not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil),  we  pray 
that  God  would  either  keep  us  from  being  tempted 
to  fin,  or  fupport  and  deliver  us  when  we  are 
tempted. 

QK  1 07 .  What  doth  the  conclufton  of  the  Lord' }s 
Prayer  teach  us  ? 

A.  The  conclufion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  which 
is,  (For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
for  ever.  Amen. J  teacheth  us  to  take  our  encourage- 
ment in  prayer,  from  God  only,  and  in  our  prayers 
to  praife  him,  afcribing  kingdom,  power,  and 
glory  to  him  ;  and  in  teftimony  of  our  defire  and 
aflurance  to  be  heard,  we  fay,  Amen. 

*  *     ****************** 
The    TEN     COMMANDMENTS. 


EXODUS. 


XX. 


G 


O  D  fpake  all  thefe  words,  faying,  I  am  the 
Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee  out 
of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  houfe  of  bondage. 
I.  Thou  fhalt  have  no  other  Gods  before  Me. 

II.  Thou 


The  Shorter  Catechifm.  1 29 

II.  Thou  (halt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven 
image,  or  any  likenefs  of  any  thing,  that  is  in 
heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or 
that  is  in  the  water  under  the  earth.  Thou  fhalt 
not  bow  down  thyfelf  to  them,  nor  ferve  them  t 
For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  viiit- 
ing  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children 
unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that 
hate  me:  and  (hewing  mercy  unto  thoufands  of 
them  that  love  Me,  and  keep  My  commandments. 

III.  Thou  fhalt  not  take  the  n:ime  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain :  For  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
guiltlefs  that  taketh  his  name  m  vain. 

IV.  Remember  the  Sabbath-day,,  to  keep  it 
holy.  Six  days  fhalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy 
work.  But  the  feventh  day  is  the  S  bbath  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  :  In  it  thou  fhalt  not  do  any  work, 
thou,  nor  thy  fon,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man- 
fervant,  nor  thy  maid  fervant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor 
thy  ftranger  that  is  within  thy  gates.  For  in  fix 
days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  fea  and 
all  that  in  them  is,  and  refted  the  feventh  day; 
Wherefore  the  Lord  bleffed  the  Sabbath-day  and- 
hallowed  it. 

V.  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother:  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee* 

VI.  Thou  (halt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou- (halt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII.  Thou  fhalt  not  ileal. 

IX.  Thou  fhalt  not  bear  falfe  witnefs  againft  thy 
neighbour. 

X.  Thou  fhalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  houfe,. 
thou  ihalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his 
man-fervant,  nor  his  maid-fervant,  nor  his  ox,  nor 

is  afs,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbour's. 

The 


130  The  Shorter  Catechiftn. 

The  LORD'S  PRAYER,  Matth.  vi 

f~\  U  R  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be 
^  thy  .Name:  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will 
be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  Give  us  this 
day  our  daily  bread :  And  forgive  us  our  debts  as 
we  forgive  our  debtors :  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil.  For  thine 
is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for- 
ever.  Amen. 

The    CREED. 

Believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty  maker  of 
•*   heaven  and  earth  ;    and  in  Jefus  Chrift  his  only 
Son,    our  Lord,   who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy 
Ghoft,  born  of  the  Virgin   Mary,  fuffercd  under 
Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried  ;    he 
defcended  into  hell*,  the  third 
day  he  rofe  again  from  the  dead,     *i.  e.  continued  in 
lie  afcended  into   heaven,  and     thefiate  of  thedead 
fitteth  on  the   right   hand    of     and  under  the  power 
God    the     Father    Almighty ;     of  death[  until  the 
from  thence  he  (hall  come  to     third  day. 
judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 
I  believe  in  the  Holy  Gholt,  the  Holy  Catholic 
Church,  the  communion  of  faints,  the  forgivenefs 
of  fins,  the  refurredtion  of  the  body,  and  the  life, 
everl  ailing.    Amen. 


End  of  the  CatuJjifpz. 


THE 

FORM 

OF       THE 

GOVERNMENT    and    DISCIPLINE 

OF        THE 

PRESBYTERIAN     CHURCH 

IN         THE 

UNITED   STATES  of  AMERICA. 


m  22222  22222222223222222223il[2lv 

!GH    ##******#  *  *  *******  *  'ri 
jgj  *******************    \r?j 

M  222222  222222li2l2l22l2^^SSS 


INTRODUCTION. 


rH  E  Synod  of  New-York  ^^Philadel- 
phia,  judging  it  expedient  to  afcertain  and 
fix  the  fyjiem  of  union,  and  the  form  of  Go- 
vernment and  Difcipline  of  the  Prefbyterian  Church 
in  thefe  United  States,  under  their  care;  have 
thought  proper  to  lay  down,  by  way  of  introduction, 
a  few  of  the  general  principles  by  which  they  have 
been  hitherto  governed:  and  which  are  the  ground 
work  of  the  following  plan.  This,  it  is  hoped,  will, 
in  fome  meafure  prevent  thofe  rajh  mifconjiruclions, 
and  uncandid  reflections,  which  ufually  proceed  from 
an  imperfecl  view  of  any  fubjecl ;  as  well  as  make  the 
fever al  parts  of  the  fyjiem  plain,  and  the  whole  plan 
perfpicuous  and  fully  underjlood. 

The  Synod  are  unanimoufly  of  opinion ; 

/.  That  "  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conference ; 
u  and  hath  left  it  free  from  the  doctrine  and  commanci- 
"  ments  of  men  ;  which  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to 
4  *  his  word;  or  bejide  it  in  matters  of  faith  or  woi- 
"  ]hip\  Therefore,  they  con  fide  r  the  rights  of  private 
judgement,  in  all  matters  that  refpect  religion,  as  uni- 

M  verfal 


c  x  x  x  i  v  Introduction* 

verfal  and  alienable:  They  do  not  even  wijh  to  Jee  any 
religious  conjlitution  aided  by  the  civil  power,  further 
than  may  be  necefjary  for  protection  and  fecurity,  and, 
at  the  fame  time,  equal  and  common  to  all  others. 

II.  That,  in  perfect  confijlency  with  the  above  prin- 
ciple of  common  right,  every  Chrijlian  Church,  or 
union  and  afjociation  of  particular  Churches,  is  entitled 
to  declare  the  terms  of  admifjion  into  its  communion, 
and  the  qualifications  of  its  minifters  and  members,  as 
well  as  the  whole  fyjlem  of  its  internal  government 
which  Chrijl  hath  appointed :  That,  in  the  excercife 
of  this  right,  they  may,  notwithjlanding,  err,  in  making 
the  terms  of  communion  either  too  lax  or  too  narrow: 
yet,  even  in  this  cafe,  they  do  not  infringe  upon  the  li- 
berty, or  the  rights  of  others,  but  only  make  an  improper 
ufe  of  their  owm. 

III.  That  our  bleffed  Saviour,  for  the  edification  of 
the  vi/ible  Church,  which  is  his  body,  hath  appointed 
officers,  not  only  to  preach  the  Gojpel  and  adminifter 
the  Sacraments;  but  alfo  to  exercife  difcipline,for  the 
prefervation  both  of  truth  and  duty:  and,  that  it  is  in- 
cumbent upon  thefe  officers,  and  upon  the  whole  Church, 
in  whofe  name  they  a 51,  to  ccnjure,  or  caji  out,  the  er- 
roneous and  fcandalous\  objerving,  in  all  cajes,  thf 
rules  contained   in  tie  word  of  God. 

IV.  That  truth  is  in  order  to  goodnefs ;  and  the 
great  touchflone  of  truth,  its  tendency  to  promote  holi- 
?iefs  ;  according  to  our  Saviour's  rule,  u  by  t he/ r  fruits 
44  ye  fijall  know  them.9'  And  that  no  opinion  can  be 
either  more  pernicious  or  more  abjiud,  than  that  which 
brings  truth  and  falfehood  upon  a  level,  and  reprefents 
it  as  of  no  confequence  vjhat  a  man  s  opinions  are.  On 
the  contrary,  Ihey  are  perfuaaed,  that  there  is  an  in- 
fcparable  ccnneclion  between  faith  and  practice,  truth 
and  duty,  Otherwife,  it  would  be  of  no  conjequence 
either  to  difcovcr  truth  or  to  embrace  it. 

V.  That 


Introduction.  CXXXV 

V.  That  while )  under  the  conviction  of  the  above 
principle,  They  think  it  neccffary  to  make  effectual  pro- 
vijion,  that  all  who  are  admitted  as  Teachers,  be  found 
in  the  faith ;  They  alfo  believe,  that  there  are  truths 
and  forms,  with  refipeCf  to  zuhich  men  of  good  characters 
and  principles  may  differ :  And  in  all  thefe,  They  think 
it  the  duty,  both  of  private  Chriflians  and  Societies,  to 
txercife  mutual  forbearance  towards  each  other. 

VI.  That  though  the  character,  qualifications,  and 
authority  of  Church-officers,  are  laid  down  in  the  holy 
Scriptures,  as  well  as  the  proper  method  of  their  in- 
veffture  and  injlitution  ;  yet  the  election  of  the  perfions, 
to  the   exercifie   of  this   authority,    in   any  particular 

jociety,  is  in  that  fociety. 

VII.  That  all  Church  power,  zvh ether  exerclfied  by 
the  body  in  general,  or,  in  the  ivay  of  reprej  entail  on, 
by  delegated  authority,  is  $nly  mlnifilerial  and  declara- 
tive :  That  is  to  fay,  that  the  Holy  Scriptures  are 
the  only  ride  of  faith  and  manners ;  that  no  Church- 
judicatory  ought  to  pretend  to  make   laws,  to  bind  the 

confidence,  in  virtue  of  their  own  authority  ;  and  that 
all  their  declfions  fihould  be  founded  upon  the  reveal- 
ed will  of  God:  Now  though  it  will  eafiily  be  admitted, 
that  all  Synods  and  Councils  may  err,  through  the  frail- 
ty injepar able  from  humanity  ;  yet  there  is  much  greater 
danger,  firom  the  ufurped  claim  of  making  laws,  than 
from  the  right  of  judging  upon  laws  already  made,  and 
common  to  all  who  prof efs  the  Gofipel ;  although  this 
right,  as  necefifity  requires  in  the  prefientjlate,  be  lodg- 
ed with  fallible  men. 

Fill.  LafUy,  That,  if  the  preceding  Scriptural 
and  rational  principles  be  Jledfajlly  adhered  to,  the 
vigour  a'idjIriCtnefis  of  its  dificipline  will  contribute  to 
the  glory  and  happinefs  of  any  Church.  Since  ecclefiiajli- 
cal  dificipline  mujl  be  purely  moral  or  fipirital  in  its  ob- 
ject, and  not  attended  with  any  civil  effects,,  it  can  de- 

M  z  rive 


cxxxvi  Introduftion. 


r  no  force  whatever,  hut  from  its  szvn  jujlice,  the 
approbation  of  an  impartial  public,  and  the  countenance 
a>  d  bl effing  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  univer- 
fal. 


The  FORM, 


The   F   O   R  M,   &c. 


CHAP.     I. 


Of  the   Church. 


Sect.  I.      TESUS  CHRIST,  who  is   now 

exalted,  far  above  all  principa- 
lity and  power,  nam  erecvted,  in  this  world,  a  king- 
dom, which  is  his  church. 

Sect.  II.  The  nniverfal  church  confifts  of  all 
thole  perfons,  in  every  nation,  together  with  their 
children,  who  make  prufellion  of  the  holy  religi- 
on of  Ckriji,  and  of  lubmiffion  to  his  laws. 

Sect.  III.  As  this  immenfe  multitude  cannot 
meet  together,  in  one  place,  to  hold  communion, 
or  to  worfhip  God,  it  is  reasonable,  and  warranted 
by  Jcripture  example,  that  they  mould  be  divided  in- 
to many  particular  churches. 

Sect.  IV,  A  particular  church  confifts  of  a 
number  ofproleil'irigchriftians,  with  their  offspring, 
voluntarily  aiTociated  together,  for  divine  worfhip 
and  godly  living,  agreeably  to  the  holy  fcriptures  ; 
and  iubmittingto  a  certain  form  of  government. 

M3  CHAP. 


138  Form  of  Government. 

CHAP.     II. 

Of  the  Officers  of  the  Church. 

OUR  bleffed  Lord,  at  firft,  collected  his  church, 
out  of  different  nations,  and  formed  it 
Extraordi-  jnto  one  body,  by  the  miflion  of  men  en- 
nary  oth-  (jue(j  wjth  miraculous  gifts,  which  have, 
long  fince,  ceafed. 
The  ordinary  and  perpetual  officers,  in  the 
Perpetual  church,  are,  Bifhops  or  Pajiors ;  the  re- 
Officers.  prefentatives  ol  the  people,  ufually  ftiled 
Ruling  Elders,  and  Deacons. 

CHAP.     III. 

Of  Bifhops  or  Pajiors. 

THE  pajloral  office  is  the  firft,  in  the  church,  both 
for  dignity  and  ufeiulnefs.  The  per/on  who 
Names,  &c  fills  this  office,  hath,  in  the  fcripture,  ob- 
tained different  names  expreffive  of  his  various 
duties.  As  he  has  the  overfight  of  the  flock  of 
Chnft,  he  is  termed  Bifhop  *.  As  he  feeds  them 
with  fpiritual  food,  he  is  termed  Paftor.     As  He 

ferves 

» 
m 

•  As  the  ofTice  and  character  of  the  gofpel  minifter  is  par- 
ticularly and  fully  dcfcribed,  in  the  holy  fcriptures,  under  the 
title  of  Bifhop  ;  and  as  this  term  is  peculiarly  exprefiive  of 
his  doty,  as  an  overfeer  of  the  flock,  it  ought  not  to  b«    re- 


Form  of  Government. 


J39 


ferves  Chrift  in  his  church,  he  is  termed  Minifter. 
As  it  is  his  duty  to  be  grave  and  prudent,  and  an 
example  of  the  flock,  and  to  govern  well  in  the 
houfe  and  kingdom  of  Chrift,  he  is  termed  Pref- 
byter  or  Elder.  As  he  is  the  meffenger  of  God, 
he  is  termed  the  Angel  of  the  church.  As  he  is 
fe-nt  to  declare  the  will  of  God  to  finners,  and  to 
befeech  them  to  be  reconciled  to  God  through 
Chrift,  he  is  termed  Ambaflador.  And,  as  He 
difpenfes  the  manifold  grace  of  God,  and  the  or- 
dinances inftituted  by  Chrift,  he  is  termed  Steward 
©f  the  myfteries  ot  God. 


dm/i 


v      ,l 


/ 


/ 


CHAP.    IV. 


Of  Ruling  Elders. 


RULING  Elders  are  properly  the  reprefenta- 
)  tives  of  the  people,  chofen  by  them,  for  the 
Name,  &c.  purpofe  of  exercifing  government  and, 
dicipline,  in  conjunction  with  Paftors  or  Minifters. 
This  office  has  been  underftood,  by  a  great  part  of 
the  proteftant  reformed  churches,  to  be  deiignated, 
in  the  holy  fcriptures,  by  the  title  of  governments  : 
and  of  thofe  who  rule  well  ;  but  do  not  labour 
in  the  word  and  dodtrine. 

CHAP. 


He*  Form  of  Government* 


CHAP.     V. 


Of  Deacons. 

THE  fcriptures  clearly  point   out  Deacons  as 
diftin£i  officers  in  the  church,  whole  bufmefs 
it  is  to  take  care  of  the  poor,   and  to  di- 
c'      '  ftribute     among    them    the    colledions 
which  may  be  raifed  tor  their  ufe.     To  them   al- 
io may  be  properly  committed  the  management  of 
the  temporal  affairs  of  the  church. 


CHAP.     VI. 

GJ  ordinances  in  a  particular  Church. 


T 


HE  ordinances,  eflablifhed  by  Chrift  the  head, 
in  a  particular  church,  which  is  regularly 
constituted  with  its  proper  officers, 
Ordinances  of  are,  prayer,  iinging  praifes,  reading, 
expounding,  and  preaching  the  word 
of  God  ;  administering  baptifm  and  the  Lord's 
fupper;  public  folemn  failing  and  thankfgiving  ; 
catechiiing,  making  collections  for  the  poor,  and 
other  pious  purpoies ;  exercifing  discipline;  and 
ble fling  the  people. 

CHAP. 


Form  of  Government.  141 


CHAP.     VII. 

Of  Church  Government,  and  the  f eve— 
ral  kinds  of  Judicatories. 

Sect.  I.  T  is  abfolutely  necefTary  that  the  go- 
Jl  vernment  of  the  church  be  exercifed 
Judicatories.  under  fome  certain  and  definite  form : 
And  we  hold  it  to  be  expedient,  and  a- 
greeable  to  fcripture  and  the  practice  of  the  primitive 
chriftians,  that  the  church  be  governed  by  congre- 
gational, prefbyterial  and  fynodical  AiTemblies.  In 
full  conliitency  with  this  belief,  we  embrace,  in 
the  fpirit  of  charity,  thofe  chriftians  who  differ 
from  us,  in  opinion  or  in  practice,  on  thefe  fub- 
jedts* 

Sect.  II.  Thefe  afTemblies  ought  not  to  pof- 
^   .  fefs  any  civil  jurifdiction,  nor  to  infli£t 

e*r3>  any  civil  penalties.      Their  power   is 

wholly  moral  or  fpiritual,  and  that  only 
minifterial  and  declarative.   They  poffefs  the  right  of 
requiring  obedience  to  the  laws  of  Chrift  ;  and  of 
excluding  the  difobedient  and  diforderly,  from  the 
privileges  of  the  church.     To  give  efficiency,  how- 
ever, to  this  neceifary  and  fcriptural  authority,  they 
pOifefs  the  powers  requifite  for  obtaining  evidence 
and    inflicting    cenfure :    They    can    call    before 
them  any  offender  againft  the   order  and  govern- 
ment of  the  church  \  They  can  require  members,, 
of  their  own  fociety,  to  appear  and    give  teftimo- 
ny  on  the  caufe  ;   but  the   highefl  punifliment,  to 
which  their  authority   extends,  is  to  exclude,   the 
contumacious  and  impenitent,  from  the  congrega- 
tion of  believers.  CHAP. 


l4~  Form  of  Government. 


CHAP.    VII*. 

Of  the  Congregational  AJfembly,  or  Ju- 
dicatory, ufually  Jlyted  the  Church 
Sejfwn* 

Sect.  I.    ^rHE    church  Seffion  confifts   of  the 
Conftituent     -1    Minifter,  or  Minifters,  and  elders 

Members  of    _r  i 

the  Church    of  a  Particular  congregation. 
Stfiion. 

Sect.  II.  The  church  fefTion  is  competent  to- 

Its  power.  tne  fpiritl,al  government  of  the  congre- 
gation :  For  which  purpofe,  they  have 
power  to  inquire  into  the  knowledge  and  chrifli- 
an  conduct  of  the  members  of  that  church  ;  to- 
call  before  them  offenders  and  witneffes,  being 
members  of  their  own  fociety,  and  to  introduce 
witneffes  from  other  focieties,  or  denominations, 
where  it  may  be  neceifary,  to  bring  the  procefs  to- 
iflue  ;  and  when  they  can  be  procured  to  attend ; 
to  admonifh,  to  rebuke,  to  fufpend,  or  exclude,, 
from  the  facraments,  thofe  who  are  found  to  de- 
ferve  the  cenfures  of  the  church;  to  concert  the 
beft  meafures  for  promoting  the  fpiritual  interefts 
of  the  congregation  ;  and  to  appoint  delegates  to 
the  higher  judicatories  of  the  church. 

Sect.  III.  The  Minifter  hath  a  right  to  con- 
vene the  Seilion  when  he  may  judge 
How  to  be  *r.         ail  t.     t*       11 

convened.         lt  requifite.     And   he   ought,    in    all 

cafes,  to  convene  them,  when  requeft- 
ed  by  any  two  or  mare  of  the  Elders. 

Sect.  IV» 


Form  of  Cov eminent.  143 

Sect.  IV.     We   think    it  proper,    that  every 

church  felfioQ  keep  a  fair  regifter,  of 

to^e^ept •      births,  of  baptifms,  of  marriages,    of 

perfons  admitted  to  the   Lords  table, 

of  deaths  in  the  fociety,  and  of  other  removals. 


CHAP.     IX. 

Of  the  Prefbyterial  Affembly. 

S   ct.  I.    r"  ~^HE  church  being  divided   into 

JL    many   feparate    congregations, 

Neceflity  of    thefe  need  mutual    counfel   and    afTift- 

the  Pref  anCe,  in  order  to  preferve  foundnefs  of 
bvterv.  r\    •  • 

do£trine,  and  regularity  of  diciplinc  ; 

and  to  enter  into  common  meafures,  for  the  pro- 
moting of  knowledge  and  religion,  and  for  the  pre- 
venting of  the  encroachments  of  infidelity  and  er- 
ror. Hence  arife  the  importance  and  ufefulnefs 
of  prefbyterial  and  fy nodical  Ailemblies. 

Sect.  II.  A  prefbyrery  confifts  of  all  the  Mi- 
Conftituent  nifters,  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each 
Members  congregation,  within  a  certain  diftric~t. 
tkereof. 

Sect.  III.  Every  congregation,  which  has  a 
fettled  paftor,  has  a  right  to  be  reprefented,  in 
prefbytery,  by  one  elder ;  and  every  collegiate 
church,  by  two  or  more  elders,  in  proportion  to  its 
Minifters.  Where  there  are  two  or  more  congrega- 
tions united,  under  one  paitor,all  fuch  congregations 

fhali 


14+  Form  of  Government. 

fhall  have  but  one  elder  to  reprefent  them.  Eve- 
ry congregation,  which  has  no  fettled  Mini  ft  er, 
and  is  able  and  willing,  to  fupport  one,  fhall  be 
entitled  to  be  repreftnted,  by  a  ruling  elder,  in 
this  judicatory.  And  where  there  are  two  or 
more  fuch  congregations,  united  for  the  maintain- 
ance  of  the  gofpel,  and  in  their  united  date,  are  of 
the  defcription  aforefaid,  then  fuch  united  con- 
gregations may  be  reprefented  by  one  elder.  Eve- 
ry elder,  not  known  to  the  Preibytery,  fhall  pro- 
duce a  certificate  of  his  regular  appointment, 
from  the  church  which  he  reprefents. 

Sect,  IV.  Any  three  Minifters,  and  as  many 
Quorum  e'd<  r^  as  may  be  prefent,  belonging  to 
of  the;  Pref-  the  Prefbytery,  bung  met,  at  the  time 
b>'tery*  and  place  appointed,  (hall  be  a  judicato- 
ry, competent  to  the  di  J  patch  of  bufinefs  ;  not- 
withftanding  the  abfence  of  the  other    members. 

S  e  c  t  ,  V.   The  Prefby  tery  have  cognizance  of  all 
Powers  things, th at  regard  the  welfare  of  thepar- 

ofthe  Pref-    ticular   churches   within  their  bounds, 
bytery,  &c  w  hich  are  not  cognizable  by  the  feillon. 
They  have  alfo  a  power  ot  receiving  and    ifluing 
appeals  from  the  feflions  ;  and  references,  brought 
before  them  in  an  orderly  manner ;  of  examining, 
and  licenfing  candidates  for  the   gofpel    miniflry  ; 
of  ordaining,  fettling,  removing,  or  judging  mini* 
fters  ',   of  examining,  and  approving  or    cenfuring 
the  records  of  the  feflions  ;    of  revolving  quellions 
ot  doclrine  or  difcipline,  fcrioufly  and   reafonably 
propofed ;    of  condemning    erroneous    opinions, 
that  injuic  the  purity  or  peace  of  the  church;   of 
vifiting  particular  churches,  to  inquire  into    their 
flate  and  redrefs  the  evils   that  may    have  arifen 

within 


Form  of  Government.  145 

within  them;  of  uniting,  or  dividing  Congregati 
ons,  at  the  requefl;  of  the  people  ;  and  of  ordering 
what  ever  pertains  to  the  fpiritual  concerns  of  the 
Churches  under  their  care.  And  it  fhall  be  ths 
duty  of  the  Prefbyteries  to  report,  to  the  Synod, 
licenfures,  ordinations,  the  difmiffing  or  receiving 
of  members  ;  and  the  removal  of  members  by 
death. 

Sect.  VI.  The  Prefbytery  fhall  meet  on  their 
o\^n  adjournment;  and,  when  any 
How  f  be  emergency  fhall  require  a  meeting, 
convened.  f00ner  than  the  time  to  which  the  Ju 
dicatory  (lands  adjourned,  the  Mode^ 
rator  fhall,  with  the  concurrence,  or  at  the  requefl:, 
of  two  Minifters  and  two  Elders,  the  Elders  being 
of  different  Congregations,  call  a  meeting  of  ths 
Prefbytery,  by  a  circular  letter  fent  to  every  Mini- 
fter,  and  to  the  feiiion  of  every  vacant  Congrega- 
tion having  a  right  to  fend  a  reprefentative  to  the 
judicatory,  in  due  time  previous  to  the  meeting ; 
which  time  fhall  be  afcertained  and  recorded  by 
each  Prefbytery,  and  fhall  not  be  lefs  than  ten  days  : 
and  nothing  fhall  be  tranfacled,  at  fuch  fpecial 
meeting,  befides  the  particular  bufmefs  for  which 
the  judicatory  has  been  thus  convened. 

Sect.  VII.  At  each  meeting  of  Prefbytery,  a 

fermon   fhall   be  delivered,  if  con- 

OpeniBg  of  the     veniint ;  and  every  particular  feilion 

Prefbytery.  fh  .jj  fae  opene(j  ^j  concluded  with 

prayer:  The  roil  fhall  be  called,  and 
the  meeting  recorded  by  the  clerk,  who  fh::ll  en- 
ter the  names  of  the  members  prefent,  and  alfo  of 
thofe  minifters  who  are  abfent. 

N  CHAP.  X. 


s 


C  H  A  P.     X. 

Of  the  Synodical  Jjjfembly. 

CT>  I  yl  S  a  Prefcyfery  i>  the  convention  nf 
the  Eifhops  'and  Elders,  within  a 
Etlf  ^aindiftria;  fo  a  Synod  is  the  con- 
Synod.  venhon  oi  fcvcral  Prefbyteries,  with- 

in a  larger  diftridt. 

Sect.  II.  The  Synod  have  power  to  admit  and 
judge  of  appeals,  regularly  brought  up  from 
thereof     Ae  Prefbyteries;  To  give  their  judgment 
on  all  references,    in   ecclefiaftical  cafes, 
made  to  them  :  To  review  the  Prefbytery  books  : 
To  redrefs  whatever  hath  been  done  by  Prefbyteries 
contrary  to  order:  To  take effe dual  care  that  Pref- 
byteries obferve  the  conftitutions  of  the  Church : 
To  make  fuch  regulations,  for  the  benefit  of  their 
whole  body,  and  oi  the  Prefbyteries  and  Churches 
under  their  care,  as  fhall  be  agreeable  to  the  word 
of  God,  and  not  contradictory  to  the  decifions  of 
the  General  Affembly,  and  to  propofe,  to  the  Ge- 
neral AfTembly,  for  their  adoption,  fuch  meafures 
as  mry   be   of  common  advantage  to  the  whole 
Church. 

CHAP.    XL 

Of  the  General  Affembly. 

Sect.  I.     rTHE    General    Affembly  is  the 
X    higheft  judicatory  of  the  Prefby- 

terian 


Form  of  Government*  147 

Style  of  the    terian  Church  ;  and  fhall  reprefent  in 
highcil  ju-    one  ^^  aii  ^g  particular  Churches 

the*  Piefby-    °^  l^^s  denomination  ;  and  fhall  bear 
toian  the  ftyle  and  title  of  the   general 

Church.  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 

Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America. 

Sict.  II.  The  General  AffemMv  fhall  cofiftfc 

of  an  equal  delegatign  of  Bifhops  and 

CandUuent      Eldcrs    frQm   each    p^fbytgry,  in  the 
Member*  of    e  .,       J  •  '       '   l  »     /« 

ihe  Otierol  following  proportion  :  viz.  each- rnu-- 
jUTemblj.  bytery,  confuting  of  not  more  than 
fix  Minifters,  flull  fend  one  Minifler 
id  one  Elder ;  each  Prefbytery,  confiiting  of  mora 
than  fix  Minifters  and  not  more  than  twelve,  fhall 
fend  two  Minifters  and  two  Elders;  and  in  like 
proportion,  for  every  fix  Minifters,  in  any  Prefby- 
tery :  And  thefe  delegates,  fo  appointed,  (hall  bear 
the  title  of  Commissioners  to  the  General 
Assembly, 

Sect.  III.   Any  fourteen,  or  more,  of  thefe 
0  commiflioners,    one  half  of  whom  ihall 

thereof,     be  Minifters,  being  met,  on  the  day,  and 
at  the  place  appointed,  fha.ll  be  competent 
to  form  a   General   Aflemblj,  and  to  proceed  to 
Griefs. 

to  The  AfTembly  (hall  receive  and  Blue  all 

rowers  1  j       r  i-    i  i_ 

of  the  appeals  and  references,  which  may  be  xe- 
AffemWj.  gularly  brought  before  them  from  the  in- 
ferior judicatories;  they  fhall  review  the 
minutes  and  proceedings  of  every  Synod,  to  ap- 
prove or  cenfure  them ;  they  (hall  give  their  advice 
and  inductions,  in  all  other  cafes  fubmitted  to 

them  i 


148  Form  of  Government. 

vhem  ;  and  they  fhall  alfo  conftitute  the  bond  oi 
union,  peace,  cerrefpondence,  and  mutual  con- 
fidence, among  all  our  Churches. 

Sect.     V.  To  the  AfTembly  alfo  belongs  the 
power  of    confulting,    reafoning,  and 
Other  pow-    judging,    in    controverfies     refpecling 
Aflembly.       dodtrine  and  difcipline  :   Of  reproving 
warning,  or  bearing  teftimony  againft 
«rror  in  do&rine,  or  immorality  in  practice,  in  any 
Church,  Prefbytery,  or  Synod :   Of  correfponding 
with  foreign  Churches  :   of  putting  a  flop  to  fchif- 
matical  contentions,  and  difputations :    And,  in  ge- 
neral,  of  recommending  and  attempting  reforma- 
tion of  manners  ;   and  of  promoting  charity,    truth 
and  holinefs,  through  all  the  churches  :  and    of  e- 
recling  new   Synods,  when  they  judge   it   necef- 
fary. 

Sect.   VI.  Before  any  overtures  or  regulations, 
propofed  by  the  Aifembly  to    be    e- 

RcUri&ien   of     eftablifhed  as    {landing    rules,   fhall 

the    power    or       .  ,  ,.  1  1.        i_ 

the  AfTembly.       be   obligatory  on   the    churches,     it 

fhall  be  neceiTary  to  tranfruit  them 
to  all  the  Prefbyteries,  and  to   receive    the    returns 
.of,  at  leaft,  a  majority  of  the  Prefbyteries,  in  writ« 
ing,  approving  thereof. 

CHAP.    XII.  ! 

Of  Electing  and  ordaining  ruling  El- 
ders  and  Deacons. 

Sect.   I.   T  TAVING  defined  the  officers  0' 

JLjL  the  church,  and  the  Aifcmblie: 

ky  which  it  fhall  be  governed,  it  is  proper  here  u 

prefcribe 


Ttrm  rf  Government.  149 

-prefcribe  the  modes  in   which  ecclefiaftical  rulers 
fhall  be  ordained  to  their  refpective  offices. 

Sect.  II.  Every  congregation  fhall  elect  per- 
fons,  to  the    office   of  ruling  Eider, 
^rulin^El-     and  to  the  office   of  Deacon,   or  ei- 
ikri  U&cf  tner  °f  them,  in  the  mode  moft    ap- 

proved, and  in  ufe   in  that  oongrs- 
gation* 

Sect.  III.  When  any  perfon  fhall  have  beea 

*r™  >„  k-     elected  to  either  of  thefe   offices,  and 

How  to  be  .n.  r 

©rdaiHed.       lhall  have  declared  his  willingneis   to 
accept  thereof,  he  fhall  be  fet  apart  ia 
in  the  following  mamner. 

Sect.  IV.  After    fermon,  the  Minifter    fhall 

propofe  to  him,   in    the    prefence  ot 

Engagements     t^e  conorregration,  the  following  que- 

required      of      n.  a  .  °  &   L 

EUcrs      and      itlons  :    *"** 

Deacons. 

I  Do  you  believe  the  fcriptures,  of  the  old  and 
new  Teftament,  to  be  the  word  of  God*  the  only 
infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice  ? 

2.  Do  you  fincerely  receive  and  adopt,  the  con- 
feffion  of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the 
fyftem  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy  fcriptures  P 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  di- 
cipline  of  the  prefhyterian  church,,  as  exercifed  in 
thefe  United  States  ? 

4.  Do  you  accept  the  office  of  ruling  Elder 
[or  Deacon  as  the  cafe  may  be]  in  this  congrega- 
rron,  and  prcmife  faithfully  to  perform  all  the  da-, 
tics  thereof: 

N  3 


150  Form  cf  Government. 

After  having  anfwcred  thcfe  queflions  in   the 
affirmative,    hfc    (hall  be   fet   apart,   by 

s'-arV  b '     Pn  }'er'  t0  (*ie  °^ce  °^  EWer  [or  deacon 
prayer.        *s  *hc  ca^e  may  be  0   rnd  the  Minifter 
(hall  give  him,  arid  the  congregation,  an 
exhortation  fuited  to  the  occaiion. 


?7^^yyV^^  v^^5y>^>%^  ^-V^^^^^y 


CHAP.     XIIL 

r~  i'cenjing  Candidates,  or  Prpbaiiotu 
vr**  to  preach  the  Gofpel. 

Sec  ^r^HE   holy    fcriptures    require, 

X     that  fome  trial   be    previoufly 

Pr*fbyten<*         ^ad,  0j  ^ofe  W|H)  are  t0  £e  ordain- 

owrh:  to  licence        ,  1  •      n  r    t_      r^    r    "1 

probationers.       ed  t0  the    mimfrry   of  the   Gofpel, 

that  this  facred  office  may  not  be 
degraded,  by  being  committed  to  weak  or  un- 
worthy men;  and  that  the  churches  may  have  m 
opportunity  to  form  a  better  judgment  r  ..fix  fl- 
ing the  talents  of  thofe  by  whom  they  are  to  "be 
inltrufted  and  governed.  For  this  purpofe  Pref- 
byteries  fhall  licence  Probationers,  to  preach  the 
Gofpel ;  that  after  a  competent  trial  of  their  ta- 
lents, and  receiving,  f*om  the  churches,  a  good 
report ;  They  may,  in  due  time,  ordain  them  to 
the  paftoial  office. 

Sect.  II. 


Form  of  Government.  i^t 

Sect.  II.   It  is  proper  and  requifite,  that  Can- 
didates, applying  to    the    Prefbytery 
Teftimonjt!.       tQ  be  i;.^^  tJ         a:h   the  Qofpcl, 
to  be  px-oda-  c    •   c    -\  n-  •   i  r    r 

ced  by  Can  produce  latisinvtory  teitimonials  01 
didates  apply-  their  good  moral  character;  and  of 
i  to  be  \i-  their  bjing  regular  members  of  fome 
particular  church.  And  it  is  the  du- 
ty of  the  Preibytery,  for  their  fatisfafitioii  flrith 
jard  to  the  real  piety  offuch  candidates,  to  ex- 
amine them  refpcfting  their  experimental  ac- 
quaintance with  religion,  and  the  motives  which 
influence  them  to  delire  the  facred  office.  And 
it  is  recommended,  that  the  candidate  be  alfo  re- 
quired to  produce  a  diplom  i,  ftf  bachelor  or  ma- 
iler of  arts,  from  fome  colle_j:  or  univerlity:  or 
at  leaft  authentic  teftimonials  of  his  having  gone 
through  a  regular  courfe  of  learning. 

Sect.  III.  Becaufeitis  highly  reproachful  to 

religion,  and  dangerous  to   the  church, 

Trials  m     lQ  jntruft  tric  hQ}y  nainiftry  to   weak  and 

order    to  J»        r%     r£  n     n 

Licence,  ignorant  men,  the  rrelbytery  than  try 
each  candidate,  as  to  his  knowledge 
ot  the  latin  language  ;  and  of  the  original  lan- 
guages in  which  the  holy  fcriptures  were  written. 
They  fliall  examine  him,  on  the  arts  and  fciences ; 
on  theology,  natural  and  revealed  ;  and  on  ecclefi- 
aflical  hiftory.  And  in  order  to  make  trial  of  his  talents 
to  explain  and  vindicate,  and  practically  to  enforce 
the  doctrines  of  the  gofpel,  the  Prefbytery  fhall  re- 
quire of  him,  an  exegeils  on  fome  common  head 
of  divinity  ;  a  Prefbyterial  exercife ;  a  lecture  or 
explication  of  a  portion  of  fcripture  ;  and  a  popu- 
lar fermon  :  or  other  fimilar  exercifes,  to  be  held, 
at  feveral  fucceffive  felTions,  tilA   they   fhall  have 

obtained 


15*  Form  of  Government. 

obtained  fatisfa&ion,  as  to  his  piety,  literature,  and 
p.ptnefs  to  teach  in  the  churches. 

Sect.  IV.    that   the   mod    effectual    meafurcs 

may  be  taken,  to  guard   agaimt   the 

Theftudyof        admiffion   of   infufKcient   men    into 

divinity  rr.ult  i_      r  j      rr  •     •  ,     , 

continue  at  the  iacred  omce,  it  is  recommended, 
leafttw*  years  that  no  candidate,  except  in  extraor- 
before  licenfe.  din-ary  cafes,  be  licenfecf ;  unlefs,  af- 
ter his  having  completed  the  ufual 
courfe  of  academical  ftudies,  he  fhall  have  ftudied 
divinity  at  lead  two  year?,  under  fome  approved, 
divine,  or  profeffor  of  theology. 

Engagement*       Sect.  V.  Before  the  Prefbytery  pro- 
required    of     ceecj  tQ  }jeenfe  me  candidate,  the  mo- 

before  licenie.   derator  fhall  require  of  him  the  follow- 
ing engagements  :    viz* 

1.  Do  vou  believe  the  fcriptures,  of  the  old  and 
new  teftament,  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the  only  in- 
fallible rule  of  faith  and  practice  r 

2.  Do  you  fincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  con- 
fellion  of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the  fy- 
ftem  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy  fciipturesr 

1.  Do  you  promife  to  fhidy  the  peace,  unity,, 
and  purity  of  the  church  : 

4.  Do  you  promife  to  fubmit  yourfeli,  in  the 
Lord,  to  the  government  of  this  Prefbytery,  or  of 
any  other  Prefbytery  in  the  bound*  of  which  you 

may  be  r 

Sect.  IV.  The  candidate  having anfwered  thefc 
queftions  in  the  affirmative,  and  the  mode- 
Manner  of  rator  having  offered  up  a  praverfuitable  to 
Hceriflng'  the  occafion,  he  fhall  addrefs  himfelt  to 
the  candidate,  to  the  following  purpofe  :  "  In  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and  by  that  autho- 
rity 


Form  of  Government.  1 53 

rity,  which  he  hath  given  to  his  church  for  its  edi- 
fication, we  do  licenfe  you,  to  preach  the  Gofpel, 
wherever  God  in  his  providence  may  call  you  : 
and  for  this  purpofe,  may  the  bleiTing  of  God  reft 
upon  you,  and  the  fpirit  of  Chritt  fill  your  heart. 
Amen"  And  record  (hall  be  made  of  the  li- 
censure, in  the  following  form  :   viz. 

At  the  day  of  the 

Prefbytery  of  having  received 

Form  of    fUi^cient  teiYimonials,  in  favour  of 

01  his  having  gone  through  a  regular 
courfe  of  literature  ;  of  his  good  moral  character  ; 
and  of  his  being  in  the  communion  of  the  church  \ 
proceeded  to  take  the  ufual  parts  of  trial  for  his 
licenfure  :  And  he  having  given  fatisfadtion,  as  to 
his  accomplishments  in  literature  ;  as  to  his  expe- 
rimental acquaintance  with  religion  ;  and  as  to  his 
proficiency  in  divinity,  and  other  ftudies  ;  the  Pref- 
bytery  did,  and  hereby  do  exprefs  their  approba- 
tion of  all  thefe  parts  of  trial  :  and  he  having  a- 
dopted  the  confeihon  of  faith  of  this  church  \  and 
fatisfaftorily  anfwered  the  queftions,  appointed  to 
be  put  to  candidates  to  be  licenfed ;  the  Prefbyte- 
ry  did,  and  hereby  do  licenfe  him,  the  faid 
to  preach  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift;  as  a  Probation- 
er for  the  holy  miniitry  ;  within  the  bounds  of 
this  Prefoytery,  or  whenever  he  mail  bs  orderly 
called. 

Sect.  VI.  When  any  candidate  iTull,  by  the 

permiiiion  of  his   Prefbytery,   remove 

TcftimonUls     without  its  limits,  an  extra£t   of  this 

•f  a    Proba-  .  .     .        .  .  n 

frioner.  record,  accompanied  with  a   prelby- 

terial  recommendation,  figned  by  the 
clerk,  mail  be  his  teftim onials,  to  the  Prehbytery 
under  whofc  oare  he  Hull  come. 

CHAP, 


15+  Form  of  Gcvermncnt* 

C  H  A  P.    XIV. 

Of  the  Election,  and  Ordination,  of 
BiJJiops  or  Pajlors. 

Sect.  I.  TX  J  HEN  any  Probationer  fhall  have 
V  V  preached,  fo  much  to  the  fatis- 
A  Church  dtf«  f*£Uon  of  any  Congregation  as  that 
pofed  to  pre-  the  people  appear  difpoied  to  receive 
pare  a  Call  in    |,jm  as  tjiejf  miniitcr,  the  feifion  fliall 

order  to  ord>.     r  p    •       i  r  j  >\       o 

ratisn,  fhall  ^icit  l*ie  pretence  and  council  of 
afic  the  afilft-  fome  neighbouring  Minifter,  to  aflift 
enceof  a  Mi-  them  in  preparing  a  call  for  bim ; 
mfler.  unlefs  highly  inconvenient  on  account 

of  diftance  :  In  which  cafe  they  may  proceed 
without  fuch  affiftance. 

Sect.  II.  On  a  Lord's  day,  immediately  after 
The  day  for  Pubhc  worfliip,  it  ihall  be  intimated 
preparing  the  from  the  Pulpit,  that  ail  the  mem- 
Call  (hill  be  bers  of  that  Congregation  are  requeft- 
previouny  ip.    cd  tQ  on  (  enfuing, 

pointed  on    a  ,        •  >,         .  r     i  r° 

Lord'i  day.        at  l"e   Church,  or  ufual  place  lor 
holding  public  worfliip  ;  then   and 
there,  if  it  be  agreeable  to  them,  to  prepare  a  Call 
for  to  be  their  Pallor. 

Sect.  III.  On  the  day  appointed,  the  Mini- 

The  Mioifttr  ^cr'  vvbofe  affiftancc  has   been  ob- 

Ihali    receive  taincd,  (hall  preach  a  fermon,  at  the 

the   votes  of  ufual  feafon  tor  public  worfliip;   and 

Rone  but  re-  after  fermori     jie   f]lan    announce  t  I 

j-ular      mem-       ,  .         :         .  ....  ..        , 

ben,  and  who  "'c  people,  that  he  will  immediately 
pui  dually  proceed  to  take  the  vates  of  the  dec- 
pay    towards    tors    cf    t},at    Congregation,     in   the 

S!S3*°?*f    cafe  of  whether  or 

tht  Church.  -  . 

not  he  ihaii  be  choftn  to  be  their  mi- 
i lifter,     In  this  election,  no  perfon  (hall  be  enti- 
tled 


v:n 


fled  to  vote,  who  refufes  to  fubmit  to  the  cenftires 

ot  the   Church,    regularly    adminiftred;  ho 

does  n  jt  contribute  his  j%ft  proportion,  according 
to  his         i    ens  ats,    or  the  rules    of  that 

Cnurch,  to  ail  its  nece  I  iry  expences. 

Sect.   IV.  When  the  votes  are  taken,  if  it  ap- 
pear that  a  great  proportion  of  the 

£nIren3,eu,T     P£0Ph    3re  *****   &<*»   the   Candi- 

nimom  the  Mi-    ditc,  and  cannot  be  induced  to  con- 
Biftcr  (hill  cer-    cur  in  rhe  call,  the  affifting  minifter 

lify  the  number    fan  endeavour  to  diduade  the  con- 

and        circum-  *■  p         •         .      ,- 

fence*  of    the    gregation  from  prafecuting  it  fur- 
Diffcnticntt.         ther.     But  if  the  people  be  nearly, 

or  entirely,  unanimous ;  or  if  the 
majority  fhall  infiftupon  their  right  to  call  a  mini- 
fter ;  then  in  that  cafe,  the  miniiler,  after  ufing 
his  utmoft  endeavours  to  perfuade  the  congregati- 
on to  unanimity,  fhall  proceed  to  draw  a  call  in 
due  form,  and  to  have  it  fubferibed  by  the  electors  ; 
certifying,  at  the  fame  time,  the  number  and  cir- 
Tiftinces  of  thofe  who  do  not  concur  in  the  call : 
A  1  which  proceedings  fhall  be  laid  before  the  Pref- 
fcytery,  together  with  the  call. 

The  call  fhall  be  in  the  following,  or  like  form 

Tlve  form  of  a  rU,      o  c 

CaJ  1  he  Congregation  or 

being,    on  fufficient   grounds,  well 
fatisfied  of    the  minifterial  qualifications  of  you 

and  having  good  hopes,  from 
our  pad  experience  of  your  labours,  that  your 
miniftrarions  in  the  Gofpel  will  be  profitable 
to  our  fpiritual  interefts,  do  earneitly  call,  and  de- 
fire  you,  to  undertake  the  Paftoral  office  in  faid 
congregation  y  promising  you,  in  the  difcharge  of 

your 


156  Form  of  Government. 

your  duty,  all  proper  fupport,  encoungement,  and 
obedience,  in  the  Lord  :  And  that  you  may  be 
free  from  worldly  cares  and  avocations,  we  hereby 
promife  and  oblige  ourfelves,  to  pay  to  you,  the 
fum  of  in  regular*  payments, 

during  the  time  of  your  being,  and  continuing, 
the  regular  Paftor  of  this  Church.  In  teftimo- 
ny  whereof,  we  have  refpeciively  fubferibed  our 
names,  this  day  of  A.   D. 

Attefed by  A.   B.  Moderator  oj  the  meeting* 

Sect.   V.  But  if  any  congregation  fhall  choofe 

tofubferibe  their  call,  by  their  Elders 

A  call    may,  and  Deacons   or  Trurtees,  or   Com- 

m  certain    ca-  ' 

fes,  be  fub-  naittee  or  either,  they  lhall  be  at  liber- 
fcribed  by  EU  ty  fo  to  do  ;  but  it  fhall,  in  fuch  cafe, 
ders  or  Dea-  be  fully  certified,  to  the  Prefbytery, 
C0IiS#  by  the  Miniiter,  or  other  perfon  who 

prefidcd,  that  they  have  been  appointed,  for  this 
purpofe,  by  a  public  vote  of  the  congregation  ;  and 
that  the  call  has  been,  in  all  other  refpects,  pre- 
pared as  above  directed. 

Sect.  VI.    When  a  call  fhall  be   prefented  to 

any  Miniffer  or  candidate,  it  fhall  al- 

A    call    fuffi-  ^va}s  be  viewed  as  a  fufficient  petition 

fl!rr,,,Ln   *  from    the  people   for    his  init  lment. 

crdination    «  r      t 

inftalment.  1  he  acceptance  01  a  call,  by  a  Minu- 
ter or  candidate,  fhall  always  be  confi- 
rmed as  a  requeft,  on  his  part,  to  be  inftalled  at  the 
fame  time.  And  when  a  candidate  fliall  be  ordain- 
ed, in  confequence  of  a  call  from  any  congrega- 
tion, the  Prefl ;-\  tery  fliall  always,  at  the  fame  time, 
ordain  and  inlial  him  Paftor  of  that  congregation. 

Slct. 

*   This    blank    to  be  filled   up   with  the  words  quarterly, 
half  yearly,   or  yearly,  as  may  bcfl  fuit  the  coi  gregatioa. 


Form  of  Government,  157 

Sect.  VII.  The   call,  thus  prepared,  fhall  be 

prefented     to  the    Prefbytery,    under 
The  call  muft    whofe  care  the         fQn   callcd  fcM  fa 
be     prefented      ,  w     i       r*      n  i        i    •  ■• 

to  thePrefty-  tnat>  ^  tne  * refbytery  think  it  expedi- 
tcrj.  ent  to  prefent  the  call  to  him,  it  may 

be  accordingly  prefented :  And  no 
Minifter  or  candidate  fhall  receive  a  call,  but 
through  the  hands  of  the  Prefbytery. 

Sect.  VIII.  If  the  call  be  to  the  licentiate  of 

another    Prefbytery,  in  that  cafe  the 

T   t°   **?'  Commiilioners,    deputed    Irom    the 

ceed  when    the  r  i  n 

call  is  to  the  congregation   to  prokcute   the    call, 
Licentiate    of    fhall  produce,  to  that  judicatory,    a 
another  Pref    certificate  from  their  own  Prefbytery, 
ytcry"  regularly  attefted    by    the  Moderator 

and  clerk,  that  they  are  in  order.  If  that  Preiby- 
tery  prefent  the  ca'l  to  their  licentiate,  and  he  be 
difpofed  to  accept  it,  they  ihall  then  difmifs  Jiim 
from  their  jurisdiction,  and  require  him  to  repair 
to  that  Prefbytery,  into  the  bounds  of  which  he  is 
called  ;  and  there  to  fubmit  himfelf  to  the  ufual  tri- 
als preparatory  to  ordination. 

Sect.  IX.  Trials  for  ordination,  efpecially  in 

a    different    Prefbvtery,  from    that    in 

Trial,  for  or-  which  the  can(]idate  was  licenfed,  ihall 

cmation.  r  -,       c  r  .  . 

conliit  01  a  careful  examination,  as  to 
his  acquaintance  with  experimental  religion  ;  as  to 
his  knowledge  of  Philofophy,  Theology,  Eccleii- 
aftical    hiftory,  the  Greek  and  Hebrew  languages, 
and  fuch  other  branches  of  learning  as  to  the  Pref- 
bytery may  appear  requifite ;  and  as  to  his  know- 
ledge of  the  conftitution,  the  rules  and  principles  of 
the   government  and  difcipline  of  the  church;  to- 
gether with  fuch  written  difcourfe,  or  difcourfes, 

O  founded 


J5$  Form  of  Gcvenmient. 

founded  on  the  word  of  Gcd,  as  to  the  Prefbytery 
fhdl  feem  proper.  The  Prefbytery,  being  fully 
fatisfied  with  his  qualifications  for  the  facrcd  of- 
fice, fhall  appoint  a  day  for  his  ordination,  which 
ought  to  be,  if  convenient,  in  that  Church  of 
which  he  is  to  be  the  Minifter.  It  is  alio  recc: 
mended  that  a  faft  day  be  obfefvpd  in  the  congre- 
gation previous  to  the  day  of  ordination. 

-£CT.  X.  The  day  appointed  for   ordination 

•p..  r   .      t      being  come,  and  the  Prefbytery  con- 

•rrdcytfry  be-  i         at       u         t     *       A     n 

ing  conftituted  vr  ne.d»  a  Member  of  the  Prefbytery, 

i  fcrmon  ftali  prcvicufly  appointed  to  that  duty, 
be  preach-d,  ihall  preach  a  fermon  adapted  to  the 
oecafion.  The  fame,  or  another 
Member  appointed  to  prefide  in  this  bufinefs,  fhall 
afterwards  briefly  recite  from  the  pulpit,  in 
the  audience  of  the  people,  the  proceedings  of  the 
Prefbytery  preparatory  to  this  tranfaclion  :  He  fhall 
point  out  the  nature  and  importance  of  the  ordi- 
nance ;  and  endeavour  toimprefsthe  audience  with 
a  proper  fenfeof  the  folemnity  of  the  tranfa&ion. 

Engagements  re-     Then    addrefllng  himfelf  to    the 
quired   of  thofc  candidate,  he  fhall  propofe  to  him 

whoaie  ordain-     .      c  n  a- 

ed  the  following  queitions  :  viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures,  of  the  Old 
and  New  Teftament,  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the 
only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice  ? 

2.  Do  ycu  fincerely  receive  and  adopt,  the  con 
feflion  of  taith  of  this  church,  as  containing  th< 
fyftem  of  dc&rine  taught  in  the  holy  Scriptures  ? 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  dif 
cipline  of  the  Prefbyterian  church,  as  prefcribc 
in  theFoim  of  the  Government  and  difcipline  of  th 
Prefbyterian  chorch  in  thefe  United  States  r 

4.  Do 


Fcrm  of  Government,  159 

4.  Do  you  promife  fubjeftion  to  your  brethren 
;n  the  Lord  ? 

5.  Have  you  been  induced,  as  far  as  you  know 
your  own  heart,  to  feek  the  office  of  the  holy  mi- 
niftry,  from  love  to  God,  and  a  fincere  defire  to 
promote  his  glory  in  the  Gofpel  of  his  Son  ? 

6.  Do  you  promife  to  be  zealous  and  faithful 
:a  maintaining  the  truths  of  the  Gofpel,  and  the 
purity  and  peace  of  the  church  ;  whatever  perfe- 
ction, or  oppofition,  may  arife  unto  you  on  that 
account  ? 

7.  Do  you  engage  to  be  faithful  and  diligent, 
in  the  exercife  ol  all  private  and  perfonal  duties, 
which  become  you  as  a  Chriftian  and  a  Minifter 
of  the  Gofpel ;  as  well  as  in  all  relative  duties, 
and  the  public  duties  of  your  office,  endeavouring 
to  adorn  the  profeffion  of  the  Gofpel  by  your  con- 
verfation^  and  wralking,  with  exemplary  piety, 
betore  the  flock,  over  which  God  fhall  make  you 
Overfeer  ? 

When  the  candidate  is  to  be  ordained  as  the 
Paftor  of  a  particular  congregation,  the  following 
^ueftion  fhall  be  added. 

8.  Are  you  bow  willing  to  take  the  charge  of 
:his  congregation,  agreeably  to  your  declaration  at 
iccepting  their  call  i  And  do  you  promife  to  dif- 
:harge  the  duties  of  a  Paftor  to  them,  as  God  fhall 
>ive  you  ftrength  ? 

Sect.    XI.    The   saadidate   having  anfwered 

thefe  questions   in  the  affirmative 

Lament,  re.  th    Moderator  {hall  demand  of  the 

mrcd     of      chc  . 

r  k*?Ic>  people : 

I  O  %  h  Do. 


1 60  Form  ~ef  Government. 

1.  Do  you,  the  people  of  this  congregation, 
continue  to  profefs  your  readinefs  to  receive 

,  whom  you  have  called,  to  be  your 
Minifter  ? 

2.  Do  ycu  prcmife  to  receive  the  word  of  truth 
from  his  mouth,  with  meeknefs  and  love;  and  to 
fnbmit  to  him,  with  humility,  in  the  due  exerciie 
of  difcipline  ? 

3.  Do  you  promife  to  encourage  him,  in  his 
arduous  labour,  and  to  affift  his  endeavours  lor 
your  inftj  ucYion  and  fpii  itual  edification  ? 

4.  And  do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him, 
while  he  is  your  Pallor,  that  competent  worldly 
maintenance  which  yru  have  promifed  ;  and 
whatever  elfe  you  may  fee  needful,  for  the  hon- 
our of  religion,  and  his  comloit  among  you  ? 

Sect.  XII.  The  people  haviwg  anfwered  thefe 

queftions,    in   the   affirmative,    by 

Mode  of  ordina-    holding  up    their   right  hands,  the 

candidate  fhall  kneel  down,  in  the 
moft  convenient  part  of  the  church :  Then  the 
['.eliding  Birhop  (hall,  by  prayer,  and  with  the 
_  on  ol  the  hands  of  the  Prsfbytery  aceord- 
o  the  apoftolic  example,  folemnly  ordain  him 
to  the  holy  office  of  the  Gofpel  miniitry.  Prayer 
being  ended,  he  (hall  rife  Irom  his  knees  :  and 
the  Minifter  who  prefides  ihall  firft,  and  after- 
wards all  the  Members  of  the  Prefbytery  in  their 
order,  take  him  by  the  right  hand,  faying,  in 
words  to  this  purpofe,  "  We  give  you  the  right 
hand  of  feilowdiip,  to  take  part  of  this  miniitry 
with  us."  After  which  the  Minifter  preliding, 
or  fome  other  appointed  for  the  purpofe,  ihall  give 
1  folemn  charge,  in  the  name  of  God,  to  the  new- 
ly  ordained  Bifhop,  and  to  the  people,  to  perl 

vcre 


Form  tf  Govern::.  1 6 1 

vere  in  the  difchargc  of  their  osutual  duties ;  an< 
ftij]l  then,  by  prayer,  recommend  them  both  to 
the  grace  of  God,  and  his  holy  keeping ;  and 
nally,  after  finging  of  a  pfalm,  ftiall  difmifs  the 
congregation  with  the  ufual  bleiling.  And  the 
Prefbytery  fhall  duly  record  the  tranfadtion. 


CHAP.    XV. 


Of  tr  (inflation,  or  removing  a  Minify 
terjrom  one  charge  to  another. 

Sect.  I.  TVTO  Bifhop  fhall  be  tranflated  from 
X\  one  church  to  another,  nor  fhall 
Traafl-txon  to  he  receive  any  call  for  that  purpofe, 
be  made  by  the  bm  b  the  permi  Jlon  0f  the  Pref- 
Prefbytery,  .  J  r 

bytery. 

S*CT.  II.     Any  church,  defiring  to  call  a  fet- 
tled    Mimfler    from    his     prefent 
Mode  of  procc-  ch  foall     b      Commiifioners 

dire   in   traDfla-  °  ,  ,       .  J   ,  r 

tj0DS#  properly   authorized,     reprelent  to 

the  Prefbytery  the  ground  on  which 
they  plead  his  removal.  The  Prefbytery,  having 
maturely  confidered  their  plea,  may,  according  as 
it  appears  mere  or  lefs  reafonable,  either  recom- 
mend to  them  to  defift  from  profecuting  the  Call ; 
or  may  ©rder  it  to  be  delivered,  to  the  Minifler  to 
-whom  it  is  directed,  together  with  a  written  cita- 
tion, to  him  and  his  Congregation,  to  appear  be- 
fore 


i6*  Form  of  Government. 

fore  the  Prcfbytery  at  their  next  meeting.  This 
citation  fhall  be  read  from  the  pulpit  in  that 
Church,  by  a  member  of  the  Prefbytery  appoint- 
ed for  that  purpofe,  immediately  after  public  wor- 
fhip  ;  fo  that,  at  leaft,  two  f  bbaths  lhall  inter- 
vene, betwixt  the  citation,  and  the  meeting  of  the 
Prefbytery  at  which  the  caufe  ot  tranflation  is  to 
be  confidered.  The  Prefbytery,  being  met,  and 
having  heard  the  parties,  {hall,  upon  the  whole 
view  of  the  cafe,  either  continue  him  in  his  former 
charge,  or  tranflate  him,  as  they  (hall  deem  to  be 
moft  for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  Church  ; 
or  refer  the  whole  affair  to  the  Synod,  at  their 
next  meeting,  for  their  advice  and  direction. 

Sect.  III.     When  the  Congregation,  calling 
any  fettled  Miniiler,  is  within  the  li- 
Modeofpro-  mits  of  another  Prefbytery,  that   Con- 
the  Minifler  gregation  fhall  obtain  leave,    from  the 
ji  of  another  Prefbytery  to  which  they  belong,   to 
Prefbytery.      apply  to  the  Prefbytery  of  which  he  is 
a  member:   And  that  Prefbytery,  hav- 
ing cited  him  and  his  Congregation  as  before  di- 
rected, fhall  proceed  to  hear  and  iffue   the  caufe. 
If  they  agree  to  the  tranflation,    they   fhall  releafe 
him  from  his  prefent  charge ;    and  having  given 
him  proper  tefrimonials,    fhall  require   him  to  re- 
pair  to  that    Prefbytery,     within  the  bounds   of 
which  the  Congregation  calling  him  lies,    that  the 
proper  fteps  may  be  taken  for  his  regular  fettle- 
ment  in  that  Congregation  :     And  the  Prefbytery, 
to  which  the  Congregation    belongs,    having  re- 
ceived an  authenticated  certificate  of  his  releafe, 
under   the   hand  of  the   Clerk  of  that  Prefb}tery, 
fhall  proceed  to  inftal  him,  in  the  Congregation, 
as  foon  as  convenient.      Provided  always,  that  no 

Bifhop 


Form  of  Government.  163 

Bifhop  or  Paftor  fhall   be  tranflated,    without  his 
own  confent  previoufly  obtained. 

Sect.   IV.    When  any  Minifter  is  to  be  fettled 

in  a  Congregation,    the  initalment, 

Inftalmcnc    con-  which  COntifts  in  conitituting  a  pa- 

lhtutes    the    pa.    n        ,       1     •        L  l  -  1    1 

ftoral     relation    "Oral  relation  between  rum  and  the 

&c  people    of  that  particular   Church, 

may  be  performed,  either  by  the 
Prefbytery,  or  by  a  Committee  appointed  for  that 
purpoie  ;  as  may  appear  moft  expedient :  and  the 
following  order  mail  be  obferved  therein* 

Sect.   V.    A  day  (hall  be  appointed  for  the  in- 
italment,  at  fuch  time  as  may  ap- 

Notice  of  the  day  pear  moft  convenient,  and  due  no- 
muit  be  eivcQ.       r  ,  c  1       ^ 

tice  thereot  given  to  tne  Congre- 
gation. 

Sect.  VI.    When  the  Prefbytery,    or    Com- 
mittee, fhall  be  convened  and  con- 
A   Sermon  fhall  ^ltutedf     on   me  day   appointed,  a 

fermon  {hall  be  delivered,  by  fome 
one  of  the  members  previoufly  appointed  thereto  ; 
immediately  after  which,  the  Bilhop,  who  is  to 
preiide,  ihall  ftate  to  the  Congregation  the  defign 
of  their  meeting  and  briefly  recite  the  proceedings 
of  the  Prefbytery  relative  thereto.  And  then,  ad- 
drefling  himfelf  to  the  Minifter  to  be  inftalled, 
fhall  propofe  to  him  the  following  or  fimilar 
queftions : 

1.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of 

this  Congregation,    as  their  Paftor, 

infttlment   con-  agreeably  to  your  declaration  at  ac- 

filts  in  mutual  en-      &  i_    •   "V*   n -\ 

sagememsofMi-  cepting  their  Call? 
BiftcrandPcople. 

%  Do 


1 64  X§  tn  of  Government. 

2.  Do  you  confcientioufly  believe  and  declare", 
as  far  a:  y(  u  know  your  own  heart,  that,  in  tak- 
ing upon  you  {his  charge,  you  are  influenced  by  a 
ilnctrQ  defirt  ti  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and 
the  good  of  his  Church  r 

3.  Do  jou  folemnly  promife,  that,  by  the 
afliflance  of  t!ie  grace  of  God,  ysu  will  endeavour 
faithfully  to  difcharge  all  the  duties  of  a  Paftor  to 
this  Congregation;  and  will  be  careful,  to  main- 
tain a  dcpoitment  in  all  refpe£ts  becoming  a  Mi- 
nifter  of  the  Gofpel  of  Chrift,  agreeably  to  your 
Ordination  engagements  ?  To  all  thefe  having 
received  fatisfadtory  anfwers,  He  fhall  propofe  to 
the  People  the  fame,  or  like  queftions,  as  thofe 
directed  under  the  head  of  ordination  ;  vhich 
having  been  al fo  fatisfactorily  anfwered,  by  hold- 
ing up  the  right  hand,  in  tcftimony  of  affent, 
He  flia.ll  folemnly  pronounce  and  declare  the  faid 
Miiifter  to  be  regularly  constituted  the  Paftor  of 
tliat  Congregation.  A  el  arge  fhall  then  be  given 
to  both  parties,  as  diredted  in  the  affair  of  ordina- 
tion ;  and,  after  prayer,  and  finging  a  pfalm  ad- 
apted to  the  tranfaftion,  the  Congregation  fliall 
b:  difmified  with  the  ufual  bcnedi&ion. 

Sect.  VIIL    It  is  highly  becoming,  that,  af- 
ter the  folemnity  of  the  inftalment, 

El-ler*  andHeads  the  heads  Qf  Famijjes  0f  that  Con- 
ci   families    mall  .  ,  r 

give  their  right  gregation  who  are  then  prefent,  or 
hard  to  tUir  at  kail  the  Elders,  and  thofe  ap- 
Minifter.  pointed   to  take   care  of  the   tem- 

poral concerns  of  that  Church,  fhould  come  for- 
ward  to  their  Pallor,  and  give  him  their  right 
hand,  in  token  of  cordial  reception  and  affection- 
ate regaxd. 

CHAR 


Form  of  Government.  1 6  J 

CHAP.    XVL 

Of  rcfigning  a  Pujtoral  Charge. 

Sect.  I.  TTf  7HEN  any  MiniftVr  fhall  labour 

V  V     under  fuch  grievances,    in   his 

Congregation,  as  that   he  ftiall  de- 

Tkz     Congrfg-a-    faQ     ;eaye    td     reUora    h\s     paitoral 

tun  mutt  be    cit-      ,  l     r>     n  ji     n  u 

«d  and  heard.      charge,  the  rreibyu,ry  ihall  cite  the 

Congregation  to  appear,  by  their 
Commifli oners,  at  their  next  meeting,  to  ihew 
caufe,  if  any  they  have,  why  the  Prefbytery  ihould 
not  accept  the  reiignar  ion.  lithe  Congregation 
tail  to  appear,  or  if  their  reafv/ns  for  retaining 
their  Paitor  be  deemed  by  the  Prefbytery  iniurfi- 
cient,  he  ihall  have  leave  granted  to  refign  his 
paftoral  cha/ge  ;  of  which  due  record  ih  ill  be 
made,  and  that  Church  fhall  be  held  to  be  vacant, 
till  fupplied  again,  in  an  orderly  manner,  with 
another  Minifter  :  And  if  any  Congregation  Ihall 
■dslire  to  be  releafed  from  their  Paftor,  a  fimilar 
procefs,  mutatis  mutandis,  Ihall  be  obferved. 


CHAP.     XVII. 

Of  Miffions. 

WHEN  vacancies  become  fo  numerous,  im 
any  Prefbytery,  that  they  cannot  be  fup- 
plied with  the  frequent  adminiftration  of  the  Word 
and  ordinances,  it  fhall  be  proper  for  fuch  Prefby- 
tery, 


1 66  Firm  if  Govtrnmtnt* 

tery,  cr  c:ny  vacant  Congregation  within  their 
bounds,  with  the  leave  of  the  Prefbytcry,  to  ap- 
ply to  any  other  Prefbytcry,  or  to  my  S)nod,  cr 
to  the  General  AfftnibJy,  fcr  fuch  ailiftancc  as 
they  can  afford.  And,  when  any  Prefbytcry  {hall 
fend  any  of  their  Minifters  or  Probationers  to 
diftant  vacancies,  the  Miflionary  fhall  be  ready  to 
produce  his  credentials  to  the  Prefbytcry  or  Pref- 
byteries,  through  the  bounds  of  which  he  may 
pafs,  or  at  leaft  to  a  Committee  thereof,  and  ob- 
tain their  approbation.  And  the  General  Aifeni- 
bly  may,  of  their  own  knowledge,  lend  millions, 
to  icy  part,  to  plant  Churches,  or  to  fupply  va- 
cancies :  And,  for  this  purpofe,  may  diredt  any 
Prefbytery  to  ordain  Evangelflfts,  or  Minifters 
without  relation  10  particular  Churches :  Provided 
always,  that  fuch  millions  be  made  w  ith  the  con- 
f~nt  of  the  parties  appointed  ;  and  that  the  Judi- 
catory fending  them  make  the  neceffary  provifion 
for  their  fupport  and  reward  in  the  performance  of 
this  fcrvice. 


CHAP.     XVIIL 

Of  Moderators. 

Sect.  I.    TT  is  equally  neceffary  in  thejudica- 

X  tone*  of  the  Church,   as  in  other 

A     Moderator  ailemblies,    that  there   fhould  be  a 

ccccfery.  Moderator  cr  Prefident ;     that  the 

bufinefs   may    be  conduded   with 

order  and  difpatch. 

Sect. 


Form  if  Grcemment,  167 

S^CT.   II.    The  Moderator  is  to  be  confidered 

as  pofTeffing,     by  delegation   from 

T^  r%  th"  wholc  bodY>    a11  authority  ne- 

and  <^ty  of  ths        -re  r  •  *  *  1 

Moderator.  ceiiary  tor  the  preiervatioo  01  order ; 

for  con/cning  and  adjourning  the 
Judicatory;  and  directing  its  operations  according 
to  the  rules  of  the  Church.  He  is  to  propofe  to 
the  Judicatory  ever/  fubjecT:  of  deliberation  that 
comes  before  them.  He  may  propofe  what  ap- 
pears to  him  the  mod:  regular  and  fpceay  way  of 
bringing  any  bufinefs  to  iifue.  He  (Mil  prevent 
the  members  from  interrupting  each  other  ;  and 
require  them,  in  fpeaking,  always  to  addrefs  the 
Cnair.  He  fhall  prevent  a  fpeaker  from  deviating 
from  the  fubjecT: ;  and  from  ufing  perfonal  re- 
flections. H?  (hall  fiience  thofe  who  refufe  to 
obey  order.  He  (hall  prevent  members  who  at- 
tempt to  leave  the  Judcatory  without  leave  ob- 
tained from  him.  He  (hall,  at  a  proper  feafon, 
when  the  deliberations  are  ended,  put  the  queftion 
and  call  the  votes.  If  the  Judicatory  be  equally 
divided  he  fhall  poffefs  the  calling  vole.  If  he  be 
not  willing  to  decide,  he  (hall  put  the  queftion  a 
fecond  time  :  and  if  the  Judicatory  be  again  equal- 
ly divided,  and  he  decline  to  give  his  vote,  the 
queftion  (hall  be  loft.  In  all  queftions  he  (hall 
give  a  concife  and  clear  ftate  of  the  object  of  the 
vote  ;  and  the  vote  being  taken,  (hall  then  de- 
clare how  the  queftion  is  decided.  And  he  (hall 
like  wife  be  empowered  on  any  extraordinary 
emergency,  to  convene  the  Judicatory,  by  his  cir- 
cular letter,  before  the  ordinary  time  of  meeting, 


Sect. 


i68 


Form  of  Government, 


Sect.  III.  The  Pallor  of  the  Congregation 
fhall  always  be  the  Moderator  of 
The  Minifter  the  Church  Seffion:  except  when, 
Serator  of  the  f°r  prudential  rtafons,  it  may  ap- 
Church  Seflion,  pear  advifeable  that  fome  other  Mi- 
nuter fhould  be  invited  to  prefide : 
in  which  cafe  the  Paftor  may,  with  the  concur- 
rence of  the  Seflion,  invite  fuch  other  Minifter  as 
they  may  fee  meet,  belonging  to  the  fame  Prefby- 
tery,  to  prefide  in  that  affair.  In  tkis  Judicatory, 
therefore,  the  Moderator  is  continual:  but,  in 
the  vacancy  of  any  Church,  the  Moderator  ihall 
be  the  Minifter  feni  to  them  by  the  Prefbvtery  ; 
or  invited  by  the  Seflion  to  prefide  on  a  particular 
occafiou.  In  Congregations,  where  there  are 
Colleagues,  they  (hall,  when  prefent,  alternately 
prefide  in  the  Seilion. 

S£CT.   IV.    The  Moderator  of  the  Prefbytery 
fhall  be  chofen  from  year  to  year, 
The  Moderators  or  meeting  oi   the  Prefby- 

of  the    other  Ju-  1       t»     /i  t-    i 

d .catoriet  how  10  te*Ji    as  the  Prefbytery  may  think 
be  chofen.  beft.      The  Moderator,   of  the  Sy- 

nod, and  of  the  Genernl  Alfembly, 
fhall  be  chofen  at  each  meeting  of  thofe  Judica- 
tories: and  the  lad  Moderator  pre rent  fhall  open 
the  meeting  with  a  fermon,  rnd  fhall  hold  the 
chair  till  a  new  Moderator  be  chofen. 


CHAP- 


Form  of  Government.  169 

CHAP.    XIX. 

Of  Privilege. 

IT  fhall  be  the  privilege  of  any  Member  of  a 
Judicatory  to  fpeak,  in  his  proper  order,  to  any 
queftion,  with  leave  from  the  Moderator.  The 
Moderator  mail  give  leave  to  the  perfon  who  firft 
rifes ;  but  if  two,  or  more  Members,  are  judged  t© 
have  rifen  at  the  fame  time,  the  Moderator  ihall 
determine  which  (hall  fpeak  firft.  Any  Member 
mall  have  a  right  to  propofe  any  queftion,  relative 
to  thebufinefs  of  the  church,  or  to  the  interefts  ot 
religion,  and  to  have  it  put  to  vote  :  provided  only, 
that  his  motion  be  feconded  by  another  Member. 
If  any  Member  conceive  his  privilege^  to  be  unjuft- 
ly  controuled  by  the  Moderator,  he  may  appeal  to 
the  Judicatory,  who  fhall  determine  the  point  of 
privilege  by  a  vote :  and  the  Moderator  and 
Member  muft  fubmit  to  the  fuffrage  of  the  Judica- 
tory. 


CHAP.     XX. 

Of   Clerks. 

EVERY  Judicatory  mail  choofe  a  Clerk,  to 
record  their  tranfa&ion?,  whofe  continuance 
fhall  be  during  pleafure.  It  fhall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Clerk,  beiides  fecording  the  tran factions,  to 
preferve  them  carefully ;  and  to  grant  extracts 
from    them,    whenever    properly   required ;  and 

P  fuch 


^7°  Form  of  Governmznt. 

fuch  extrafts,  under  the  hand  of  the  Clerk,  fl>all 
be  confidered  as  authentic  vouchers,  of  the  faak 
which  they  declare,  in  any  ecclefiaftical  Judicato- 
ry, and  to  every  part  of  the  church. 


A^r^^<r<4^r^^<^^<r^^<r<^<r^ 


CHAP.     XXI. 

Of  vacant  Congregations   ajfembling 
for   public   Worjliip. 

CONSIDERING    the   great  importance    of 
weekly  affembling  the  people,  for  the  public 
worfhip  of  God  ;  in  order  thereby  to  improve  their 
knowledge ;  to  confirm  their   habits  of  worfhip, 
and  their  defire  of  the  public  ordinances;  to  aug- 
ment their  reverence  for  the  mod  high  God  ;  and 
to  promote  the  charitable  affections  which  unite 
men   moft  firmly  in  fociety  :   It  is  recommended, 
that  every  vacant  congregation  meet   together,  on 
the  Lord's   day,   at   one  or  more  places,  for  the 
purpofe  of  prayer,  finging  praifes,  and  reading  the 
holy  Scriptures,  together  with   the  works  of  fuch 
approved    Divines,    as     the     Prefbytcry,    within 
whofe  bounds  they  are,  may  recommend,  and  they 
may  be  able   to  procure  ;  and  that  the  Elders  01 
Deacons  be  the  perfons  who  fhall  prefide,  and  fe- 
lecl:   the  portions  of  Scripture,  and  of  the  othei 
books,  to  be  read;  and  to  fee  that  the  whole  be 
eosidu&ed  in  a  becoming  and  orderly  manner. 

CHAR 


Form  of  Government.  iyi 

C  H  A  P.    XXII. 

Of    Commifjioners    to    the     General 

Ajfembly. 

Sect.  I.   f      ^HE  Commiilioners  to  the  General 

JL     AflTembly  ihall  always  be  appoint- 

Commiffioners     ed,  by  the   Prefbytery   from  which 

frail    bs      ap-    t|ieyCome    at  its' laft  dated  meeting 

pointed   at  Iaft  J      «.       ,  ,.  ,  .    ^ 

Sfcate4  meeting  immediately  preceding  the  meeting 
of  the  Prefby-  of  the  General  AlTcmbly ;  provided, 
ter7*  that  there   be   a  fufficient  interval, 

between  that  time  and  the  meeting  of  the  Af- 
fembly,  for  theCommiilioners  to  attend  their  duty 
in  due  feafon ;  otherwife,  the  Prefbytery  may 
make  the  appointment  at  any  dated  meeting,  not 
more  than  feven  months  preceding  the  meeting  of 
the  AlTembly.  And  as  much  as  poilible  to  prevent 
all  failure  in  the  reprefentation  of  the  Prefbyterics, 
ariiing  from  unforefeen  accidents  to  thofe  firft  ap- 
pointed, it  may  be  expedient  for  each  Prefbytery, 
in  the  room  of  each  Commiilioner,  to  appoint  alfo 
an  alternate  Commiffioner,  to  fupply  his  place,  in 
cafe  oi  nee  eiTary  ab  fence. 

Sict,    II.    Each    CommiiTioner,     before    his 

name  ihall  be  enrolled' as  a  Member 

Form      of     a      of    the   AlTembly,    fhall  produce, 

from  his  rreibytery,  a  commiilion 
under  the  hand  of  the  Moderator  and  Clerk,  in 
the  following  or  like  form  :  viz. 

"  The  Prefbytery  of  being  met  at 

on  the  day  of  doth 

hereby  appoint  Bifhop  of  the 

congregation  of  or  ruling 

Elder  in  the  congregation  oi  as 

P  2  the 


172  Form  cf  Government. 

the  cafe  maybe  ;]"  (to  which  the  Prefbytery  may, 
if'they  think  proper,  make  a  fubftitution  in  the 
following  form,  "  or  in  cafe  of  his  abfence,  then 

Bifhop  of  the  congregation 
of  '  or  ruling  Elder  in 

the  congregation  of  as  the  cafe  may 

be;]")  to  be  a  CommifTioner,  on  behalf  of  this 
Prefbytery,  to  tke  next  General  AfTembly  oi  the 
Prefbyterian  church  in  the  United  States  ot  Ame- 
rica, to  meet  at  on  the  day  of 
A.  D.  or  wherever,  and 
whenever  the  faid  AfTembly  may  happen  to  fit ;  to 
confult,  vote,  and  determine,  on  all  things  that 
may  come  before  that  body,  according  to  the  prin- 
ciples and  conflitutions  of  this  church,  and  the. 
Word  of  God.  And  of  his  diligence  herein,  he  is 
to  render  an  account  at  his  return. 

Signed,  by  Order  of  the  Prefbytery, 

Modi  rat  or, 
Clerk."'' 
And  the  Prefbytery  fhall  make  record  of  the  ap- 
pointment. 

Sect.  III.  Thefe  commifTions  (hall,  if  poffi- 
ble,  be  delivered  to  the  Clerk  of  the 

Commiflions  AfTembly,  in  proper  feafon,  that  he 
{hall     be    deli-  .     J '      ,   r     rn  ,       A  ,r      u1 

vered    to    the    may  have  the  roll    oi  the  Aiiembly 

Clerk  at  the  completed  before  the  firft  feflion. 
firftSefiion.  CommifTions,  not  produced  at  the 

opening  of  the  AfTembly,  fhall  afterwards  be  deli- 
vered only  in  the  intervals  between  the  feflions. 
No  CommifTioner  fhall  have  a  right  to  deliberate 
or  vote  in  the  AfTembly  ;  until  his  name  fhall  havfc 
been  enrolled  by  the  Clerk,  and  his  commiflion 
publicly  read,  and  filed  among  the  papers  of  the 

Aiiembly. 

Sect. 


Form  of  Government',  173 

Sect.  IV.  The  General  A  (Terribly  (hall  meet, 

at  lead,  once    in  every  year,    their 

rhe   Affembly    firft   meel;n^    to    be    on   the   third 

[hall  meet  once      r-,^,        rj  9  A  ,  o  ^u      r 

a    S3r#  1  hurlday  ol  May,   1709,  in  the  ie- 

cond  Prefbyterian  church  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  afterwards  on  their  own  adjourn- 
ments. If  there  be  not  a  fufficient  number,  for 
the  tranfadlion  of  bufinefs,  convened  before  1 2 
o'clock,  on  that  day,  thofe  who  are  prefent  fhall 
have  power  to  adjourn,  from  day  to  day,  till  a  fuf- 
ficient number  fhall  have  met  to  conftitute  an  A£- 
fembly. 

Sect.    V.  On   the  day,  to  which  the  General 
,    m  AiTembly  ftands  adjourned,  and  be- 

And    fhall     be     „  i        i_  J    r       1 

opened  with    a     tWee°    thc      hoUrS     °f     eleven     and" 

fermon.  twelve,  the    Moderator   of  the  laft 

General  AiTembly,  if  prefent ;  or, 
in  cafe  of  his  abfence,  the  fenior  Minifter  prefent, 
fhall  ©pen  the  meeting  with  a  fermon.  After  fer- 
mon, the  Members  being  in  the  houfe  where  the 
AfTembly  is  to  hold  its  feilions,  the  fame  Minifter 
who  preached  fhall,  by  prayer,  publicly  implore 
the  bleffing  and  diredion  of  Almighty  God  ;  and 
fhall  continue  to  prefide  till  a  new  Moderator  be 
chofen.  For  this  purpofe  he  fhall  call  for  the 
commjffions  of  thofc  prefent;  which  being  read, 
and  the  names  of  the  Members,  enrolled  in  order, 
if  there  be  a  quorum,  they  fhall  chofe  a  Moderator.  ■ 

Sect.  VI.  Each  feffion  of  the  AiTembly,  as  of 
Mode  #f  dif-  all  the  other  Judicatories  of  the  church, 
fbWifig     the    fhall  be  introduced  and  concluded  with 

AflVmbly.  prayen       And    the    whole    bufmefs  of 

the  AiTembly  being   finifhed,  and  the  vote  being , 
taken  for  diifolving  the  prefent   AiTembly,    the 

Moderator 


1 74  Farm  of  Government. 

Moderator  mall  fay  from  the  chair :  "  By  virtue  of 
the  authority  delegated  to  me  by  the  church,  let 
this  General  Aflembly  be  cliiToIved  ;  and  I  do 
hereby  diffolve  it,  and  require  another  AiTembly 
chofen  in  the  fame  manner,  to  meet  at 
on  the  day  of  A.  D.  ." 

After  which  he  mall  pray,  and  return  thanks  to 
God  for  his  great  mercy  and  goodnefs,  and  pro- 
nounce, on  thofe  prefent,  the  apoftolic  benediction. 

Sect.  VII.  In  order,  as  far  aspoflible,  to  pro- 
cure a  refpe£table  and  full  delegation  to 
Ixpcnccs  of    aj]  our  JU(Jicatories,  it  is  proper,  that 

fee  defrayed.    tnc  expences    of  Minifters  and  Elders, 
in  their  attendance  on  thefe  Judicato- 
ries, be  defrayed,  by  the  bodies  which  they  refpec- 
'ively  repreient. 


FORMS 


FORMS    of    PROCESS 


IN      THE 


JUDICATORIES    of  this    CHURCH. 


CHAP.     I. 


WITH  regard  to  Scandals,  or  Offences 
that  may  arife  in  our  Churches,  we  agree 
to  obferve  the  following  rules  of  proceeding. 

1.  Inafnnuch  as  all  baptized  perfons  are  Mem- 
bers of  the  Church,  they  are  under  its  care ;  and 
fubjecT:  to  its  government  and  difcipline:  and, 
when  they  have  arrived  at  the  years  of  difcretion, 
they  are  bound  to  perform  all  the  duties  of  Church- 
members. 

2.  No  accufation  fhall  be  admitted,  as  the 
foundation  of  a  procefs  before  an  ecclefiaftical  Ju- 
dicatory, but  where  fuch  offences  are  alledged,  as 
appear,  from  the  Word  ot  God,  to  merit  the 
public  notice  and  cenfure  of  the  Church.  And, 
in  the  accufation,  the  times,  places,  and  circum- 
ftances,  fhould  be  alcertained,  if  poffible ;  that 
the  accufed  may  have  an  opportunity  to  prove  au 
tlibi  j  or  to  extenuate,  or  alleviate  his  crime. 

1.  No 


1 7 6  Forms  of  Procefs  in  tie 

3.  No  complaint  or  information,  on  the  fub- 
jec~l  of  perfonal  and  private  injuries,  fhall  be  ad- 
mitted; unlcfs  thofe  means  of  reconciliation,  and 
oi  privately  reclaiming  the  offender,  have  been 
ufed,  which  are  required  by  Chriit,  Mat.  XVIII. 
15,  16.  And,  in  all  cafes,  the  ecclefiaiVical  Ju- 
dicatories, in  receiving  accufations,,  in  conducting 
procelfes,  or  inflicling  cenfures,  ought  to  avoid,  as 
tar  as  po3ible,  the  divulging  of  offences,  to  the 
fcandal  of  the  Church  :  becanfe  the  unneceifary 
fpreading  of  fcandal  hardens  and  enrages  the  guil- 
ty, grieves  the  godly,  and  diihonours  religion. 
And  if  any  private  Chiiftian  (hall  induftnoufly 
fpread  the  knowledge  of  an  offence,  unlefs  in  pro- 
fecuting  it  before  the  proper  Judicatories  ot  the 
Church,  he  fhall  be  liable  to  cenfure,  as  an  un- 
candid  flanderer  of  his  brother. 

4.  When  complaint  is  made  of  a  crime,  cog- 
nizable before  any  Judicatory,  no  more  fhall  be 
done  at  the  firfl  meeting,  unlefs  by  confent  of 
parties,  than  to  give  the  accufed  a  copy  of  each 
charge  with  the  names  of  the  witneffes  to  fupport 
it;  and  a  citation  of  all  concerned,  to  appear  at 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Judicatory,  to  have  the 
matter  fully  heard  and  decided  Notice  fhall  be 
given  to  the  parties  concerned,  at  leaft  ten  days, 
previoully  to  the  meeting  of  the  Judicatory. 

5.  The  Judicatory,  in  many  cafes,  may  find  it 
more  for  edification,  to  fend  fome  Members  to 
converfe,  in  a  private  manner,  with  the  accufed 
perfon  ;  and,  if  he  confefs  guilt,  to  endeavour  to 
bring  him  to  repentance  ;  than  to  proceed  imme- 
diately to  citation. 

6.  When  an  accufed  perfon,  or  a  witnefs,  re- 
fufei  to  obey  the  citation,  he  fhall  be  cited  a  fe- 
cond,  and  a  third  time  j    aad  if  he  (till  continue 

to 


Judicatories  of  this  Church.  177 

to  refufe,  he  (hall  be  excluded  from  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Church,  for  his  contumacy  ;  until  he 
repent 

7.  No  crime  (hall  be  confidered  as  eftablifhed 
by  a  {ingle  witnefs. 

8.  The  oath,  or  affirmation,  to  be  taken  by  a 
witnefs,  {hall  be  adminiftred  by  the  moderator, 
and  ihail  be  in  the  following,  or  like  terms: 
"  I  folemnly  promife,  in  the  prefence  ef  the  om- 
nifcient  and  lieart-fearching  God,  that  I  will  de- 
clare the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but 
the  truth  ;  according  to  the  belt  of  my  knowledge, 
in  the  matter  in  which  I  am  called  to  witnefs,  as 
I  (hall  anfwer  it  to  the  great  Judge  of  quick  and 
dead." 

9.  The  trial  (hall  be  open,  fair,  and  impartial. 
The  witneffes  mail  be  examined  in  the  prefence 
of  the  accufed  ;  or  at  leait  after  he  mall  have  re- 
ceived due  citation  to  attend:  and  he  (hall  bz  per- 
mitted to  afk  any  queftions  tending  to  his  own  ex- 
culpation. 

*o.  No  witnefs  afterwards  to  be  examined, 
fhall  be  prefent,  during  the  examination  of  an- 
other witnefs,  on  the  lame  caufe. 

11.  The  teftimony,  given  by  witneiTcs,  muft 
be  faithfully  recorded  ;  and  read  to  them,  for  their 
approbation  or  fubfeription. 

1 2.  The  judgment  fhall  be  regularly  entered  en 
the  records  of  the  Judicatory  :  and  the  parties  ihall 
be  allowed  copies  of  the  whole  proceedings,  if 
they  demand  them.  And,  in  cafe  of  references, 
or  appeals,  the  Judicatory  appealed  from  fhall 
fend  authentic  copies  of  the  whole  procefs  to  the 
higher  Judicatories, 

1  3.  The  perf^n  found  guilty  fhall  be  admonifh- 
ed,  or  rebuked,    or  excluded  from  Church  privi- 
leges, 


178  Forms  of  Procefs  In  tht 

leges,  as  the  cafe  mail  appear  to  defenfe  ;  and  this 
only  till  he  give  futisfa&ory  evidence  of  repentance 

14.  Th^  lentence  (hall  be  published,  only  in 
the  Church  or  Churches  which  have  been  offend- 
ed. Or,  if  it  be  a  matter  of  final!  importance, 
and  it  lhall  appear  molt  for  edification  not  to  pub- 
lifli  it,  it  may  oafs  only  in  the  Judicatory. 

15.  Such  grofs  offenders,  as  will  not  bs  re- 
claimed by  the  private  or  public  admonitions  of 
the  Church,  are  to  be  cut  off  from  its  commu- 
nion, agreeably  to  our  Lord's  direction,  Mat. 
XVIII.  17.  and  the  Apoitolic  injunction  refpe£t- 
ing  the  incefluous  perfon,  1  Cor,  V,  1 — 5.  But 
as  this  is  the  higheft  cenfure  of  the  Church,  and 
of  the  moil  folemn  nature ;  it  is  not  to  be  inflidted, 
without  the  advice  and  confent  of,  at  lead,  the 
Prcfbytery  under  whofecare  the  particular  Church 
is,  to  which  the  offender  belongs  ;  or  the  advice 
of  a  higher  judicatory,  as  the  cafe  may  appear  to 
require. 

16.  All  proceffes,  in  cafes  of  fcandal  fhall  com- 
mence, within  the  fpace  of  one  year,  after  the 
crime  (hall  have  been  committed;  unlefs  it  fhall 
ha\e  become  recently  flagrant. 

1:.  When  any  Member  (hall  remove  from  one 
Congregation  to  another,  he  (hall  produce  proper 
ttfttmonials  of  his  Church-rnemberihip,  before  he 
be  admitted  to  Church  -  privileges ;  unlefs  the 
Church,  to  which  he  removes,  ha>  other  fatis- 
factory  means  ol  information. 


CHAP. 


JvJ'ccJcn'es  of  this  Church,  179 

CHAP.     II. 

Of  Procefs  againfl   a  Bifliop  or 

Minifler. 

A  S  the  fuccefts  of  the  Gofpel,  in  a  great  meafure, 
*"■  depends  upon  the  credit  and  good  report  of 
its  Ministers,  each  Prefbytery  ought,  with  the 
greateft  attention,  to  watch  over  all  their  Members ; 
and  to  be  careful  to  cenfure  them,  when  neceifary, 
with  impartiality  \  either  for  perfonal  crimes, 
which  they  may  commit  in  common  with  other 
men  ;  or  thofe  that  are  vocational,  arifing  from 
the  manner  in  which  they  may  difcharge  their  im- 
portant office* 

1.  Procefs,  againfl  a  Gofpel  Minifler,  mall  al- 
ways be  entered  before  the  Prefbytery  of  which  he 
is  a  member.  And,  in  cafe  it  fhall  be  found  that 
the  fa£ts  with  which  he  fhall  be  charged  happened 
without  the  bounds  of  his  own  Prefbytery,  they 
fhall  fend  notice  to  the  Prefbytery  within  whofe 
bounds  they  did  happen  :  and  defire  that  Prefby- 
tery, either  (if  within  convenient  diftance)  to  cite 
the  witnefTes  to  appear  at  the  place  where  the  trial 
began.  Or,  ifotherwife,  to  take  the  examination 
themfelves :  and  tranfmit  an  authentic  record  of 
their  teftimony.  Always  giving  due  notice  to  the 
accufed  perfon  of  the  time  and  place  of  fuch 
examination. 

2.  Neverthelefs,  in  cafe  of  a  Minifler  being  fup- 
pofed  to  be  guilty  of  any  crime,  or  crimes,  at  fuch 
a  diflance  from  his  ufual  place  of  refidence,  as 
that  the  offence  is  not  likely  to  become  otherwife 
known  to  the  Prefbytery  to  which  he  belongs ;    it 

fhall, 


l8o  Forms  of  Procefs  in  the 

fhall,  in  fuch  cafe,  be  the  duty  of  the  Prefbytery 
within  whofe  bounds  the  fa&s  fhall  have  happen- 
ed, after  fatisfying  themfelves  that  there  is  a  pro- 
bable ground  ot  accufation,  to  fend  notice  to  the 
Prefbytery  of  which  he  is  a  member;  who  are  to 
proceed  rgainft  him  ;  and  to  take  the  proof  by 
Commiffion,  as  abave  directed. 

3.  Procefs,  againfl  a  Gofpel  Miaifter,  fhall  not 
be  entered  upon;  unlefs  fome  perfon,  or  perfons, 
undertake  to  make  out  the  charge  :  or  when  com- 
mon fame  fo  loudly  proclaims  the  fcandal,  that 
the  Prefbytery  find  it  neceffary  to  profecute,  and 
fearch  into  the  matter,  for  the  honour  of  religion, 

4.  As  the  fuccefs  of  the  Gofpel  greatly  depends 
on  the  unblemifhed  character  of  its  Minilters; 
their  foundnefs  in  the  Faith,  and  holy,  and  exem- 
plary converfation  :  and  as  it  is  the  duty  of  all 
Chriftians  to  be  very  cautious  in  taking  up  an  ill 
report  of  any  man,  it  is  efpecially  fo  of  a  Mi- 
nifter of  the  Gofpel.  If,  therefore,  any  man  know 
a  Minifter  guilty  of  a  private  cenfurable  fault,  he 
fliould  warn  him  in  private.  But  if  he  perfift  in  it ; 
or  it  become  public  ;  he  fhould  apply,  to  fome 
other  Bifhop  of  the  Prefbytery,  for  his  advice  in 
the  matter. 

5.  When  complaint  is  laid  before  the  Prefby- 
tery, it  mud  be  reduced  to  writing  ;  and  nothing 
farther  is  to  be  done  at  the  firft  meeting,  unlefs  by 
confent  of  parties,  than  giving  the  Minifter  a  full 
copy  of  the  charge?,  with  the  names  of  the  wit- 
neiies  annexed  thereto:  and  citing  all  partis,  and 
their  w  itneffes,  to  appear  and  be  heard  at  the  next 
meeting  :  which  meeting  fhall  not  be  fooaer  than 
ten  days  after  fuch  citation. 

6.  Ax  the  nvxt  meeting  of  the  Prefbytery,    the 
charges  muft  be  read  to  him,    and  his  anlwers 

heard. 


Judicatories  of  this  Gurch.  I#J 

heard.  If  it  appear  neceflary  to  proceed  farther, 
the  Prefbytery  ought  to  labour  to  bring  him  to  con- 
fellion,  And  if  he  confe  fs,  and  the  matter  be 
b.^fe  and  flagitious  ;  fuch  as  drunkennefs,  unclean- 
nefs,  or  crimes  o(  a  higher  nature  ;  however  pe- 
nitent he  may  appear,  to  the  fatisfaction  of  all, 
the  Prefbytery  muft,  without  delay,  fufpend  him 
from  the  exercife  of  his  office  ;  ordepofe  him  from 
the  miniftry  ;  and  appoint  him  a  due  time  to  con- 
fefs  publicly  before  the  Congregation  offended; 
and  to  profefs  his  repentance. 

7.  The  profecutor  ihall  be  previoufly  warned, 
that,  it  he  Jp.il  to  prove  the  charges,  he  muft  him- 
fdf  be  cenfured,  as  a  fianderer  of  the  Gofpel  mi- 
nitlry ;  in  proportion  to  the  malignity,  or  raihnefs, 
that  (hall  appear  in  the  profecutidh. 

8.  If  a  Mirifter,  .accufed  of  atrocious  crime?, 
being  three  times  duly  cited,  ihall  refufe  to  attend 
the  Prefbytery,  he  muft  be  immediately  fufpended* 
And  if,  after  another  citation,  he  (till  refufe  to  at- 
tend, he  (ball  be  depofed  as  contumacious. 

9.  If  the  Minifter,  when  he  appears,  will  not 
confefs  ;  but  denies  the  fadls  all  edged  igainft  him  : 
if,  on  hearing  the  witnefles,  the  charges  appear 
important  and  well  fup ported,  the  Prefbytery  muft, 
neverthelefs,  cenfure  him ;  and  fufpend  or  depofe 
him  ;  according  to  the  nature  of  the  offence. 

10.  Herefy  and  fchifm  may  be  of  fuch  a  nature 
as  to  infer  depofition  :  but  errors  ou^ht  to  be  care- 
fully  coniidered  ;  whether  they  ftrike  at  the  vitals 
ot  religion,  and  are  induftrioufly  fpread  ;  or  whether 
they  arife  from  the  weaknefs  ot  the  human  under- 
(tanding  ;  and  are  not  likely  to  do  much  hurt. 

11.  A  Minifter,  under  procefs  for  herefy  or 
fchifm,  ihould  be  treated  with  chriftiah  and  bro- 
therly tendernefs.     Frequent  conferences  ought  to 

a  be 


I  $2  Forms  of  Pr oafs  &c. 

be  held  with  him,  and  proper  admonitions  admi- 
niftred.  Yet',  for  fome  more  dangerous  errors, 
fufpenfion  becomes  neceflary.  But  a  Synod  fhould 
be  confulted  in  fuch  cafes. 

12.  If  the  Prefbytery  find,  on  trial,  that  the 
matter  complained  of  amounts  to  no  more  than 
fuch  a£ts  of  infirmity,  as  may  be  amended  and  the 
People  fatisfied  ;  fo  as  little  or  nothing  remains  to 
hinder  his  ufefulnefs  ;  they  fhall  take  all  prudent 
meafures  to  remove  the  offence. 

13.  A  Minifter,  depofed  for  fcandalous  con- 
duft,  may  not  be  reftorcd ;  even  on  his  deepeft 
forrow  for  fin;  without  fome  time  of  eminent 
and  exemplary,  humble  and  edifying  conversation, 
to  heal  the  wound  made  by  his  fcandal. 

14.  As  foon  as  a  Minifter  is  depofed,  his  Con* 
gregation'  fhall  be  declared  vacant. 


THE 


© ,/-ejr.    G.tjJL.   Q.jsJI     O.jjjt   4- o 


9   y^>     • 


/yJ'S^/vi^'v// 


©    m    o  ^  m    • 


©   m    * 


THE 


DIRECTORY, 


FOR      THE 


WORSHIP    of    GOD, 


O  F    T  HE 


PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH.. 

I  N    T  H  E 

UNITED  STATES  of  AMERICA. 


v^<^, 


fK  *  ,.*..*    **************** 
f*    *    *    *    *    *    *    **    *    *, *    *       ****** 


i 


THE 


DIRECTORY,    &c. 


CHAP.     I. 

Of  the  Sanft 'if cation  of  the  Lord's  Day. 

Sect.  I.  T  is  the  duty  of  every  perfon  to  re- 
JL  member  the  Lord's  Day;  and  to 
prepare  for  it,  before  it's  approach.  All  worldly 
Luhnefs,  ihould  be  fo  ordered,  and  fcafonably  laid 
afide,  as  that  we  may  not  be  hindered  thereby  from 
fanc~tifying  the  Sabbath,  as  the  holy  Scriptures  re- 
quire. 

Sr  ct.  II,  The  whole  day  is  to  be  kept  holy  to 
the  Lord;  and  to  be  employed  in  the  public  and 
private  exercifts  of  religion.  Therefore,  it  is  re- 
quifite,  that  there  be  an  holy  retting,  all  the  day, 
from  unneceflary  labours;  and  an  abttaining  from 
thole  recreations,  which  may  be  lawful  on  other 
days;  and  alio,  as  much  as  poilible,  from  world] J 
thoughts  and  ccnvcifation. 

Sect. 


DlreSfjry  for  the  Worjbip  of  God.  1 85 

S.icr.  III.  Let  the  provisions,  for  the  fupport 
of  the  family  e>n  that  day,  be  fo  ordered,  that  fer- 
^ants  or  others  be  not  improperly  detained  from  the 
public  worfhip  of  Gjd  ;  nor  hindered  trom  fandtU 
fyingthc  Sabbath. 

Sect.  IV.  Let  every  perfon  and  family,  in  the 
morning,  by  fecr^t  and  private  prayer,  for  them- 
felves  and  others,  efpecially  for  the  aiTutance  of 
God  to  their  Minifler,  and  for  a  Me  fling  upon  his 
min'ftry  ;  by  reading  the  fcriptures ;  and  by  holy 
meditation  ;  prepare  for  communion  with  GoJ  in 
feis  public  ordinances.. 

Sect.  V,  Let  the  people  be  careful  to  alTemble 
at  the  appointed  time ;  that,  being  all  prefent  at 
t.\e  beginning,  they  may  unite,  with  one  heart  in 
all  tne  parts  of  public  worihip;  and  let  none  unne- 
ceffarily  depart,  till  alter  the  bleiling  be  pro* 
Bounced. 

Sect.  VI.  Let  the  time,  after  the  folemn  fer- 
vices  of  the  congregation  in  public  are  over,  be 
fpent  in  reading;  meditation;  repeating  offer- 
mons :  catechifing  ;  religious  converfation  ;  pray- 
er for  a  blefling  upon  the  public  ordinances ;  tne 
finging  of  pfalms,  hynins,  or  fpiritual  fong  ;  vi- 
liting  the  fick ;  relieving  the  poor;  and  in  per- 
forming fuch  like  duties  oi  vhv7,  charity  and 
mercy. 


o:iap. 


1 86  Directory  of  the  Word  of  God. 

C  H  A  P.     II. 

Of  the  affemlling  of  the  Congregation,  and  their  leha- 
viour  during  Divine  Service. 

Sect.   I.  TT7HEN  the  time  appointed   for 
\  V     public   worfhip   is    come,    let 
the  people  enter  the  church,  and   take  their  feats, 
in  a  decent,  grave,  and  reverent  manner* 

Sect.   II.  In  the  time  of  public  worfhip,  let 
ill  ihe  people  attend  with  gravity  and  reverence  ; 
:u bearing  to  read  any  thing,  except  what  the  Mi- 
lter is  then  reading  or  ci;        ;  abftaining  from 
a!l   whifperings  ;  from  falutations  of  perfons  pre- 
fent  or  coming  in  ;  and  from  gazing  about,  ikep- 
ing,  [railing,  and  ail  other  indecent  behaviour. 


CHAP.        III.  ;' 

Of  the  public  reading  of  the  Hdy   Scriptures. 

S£ct.   I.  f      M~FE  reading  of  the  holy  Scripture?, 
X     in  the  congregation,  is  a  part  of 

the    public  worfhip  of  God,  and  ought  to  be  per- 
formed by  the  Ministers  and  Teaclitrs. 

Sect.  II.  The  holy  Scriptures,  of  the  old  and 
new  Tefiamenr,  fhdl  be  publicly  read,  from  the 
nioft  approved  tranflstiqn,  in  the  vulgar  tongue, 
tjxat  all  may  hear  and  underhand. 

Sect. 


DlreStoryfor  tin  JVarflilp  of  God. 


iS 


Sect.  III.  How  large  a  portion  fhall  be  read 
at  once  is  left  to  the  difcretion  of  every  Minifter  ; 
however,  in  each  fervicc,  he  ought  to  read,  at 
lead:,  one  chapter  ;  and  more,  when  the  ch<  pters 
arethort,  or  the  connection  requires  it.  He  may, 
when  he  thinks  it  expedient,  expound  ar  part  of 
what  is  read;  always  having  regard  to  the  time. 
that  neither  reading,  tinging,  praying,  preaching, 
or  any  other  ordinance,  be difpropor donate  the  one 
%q  the  other  ;  nor  the  whole  renaered  100  Abort,  or 
too  tedious. 


CHAP.     IV. 

Of  the  finging  of  Pf alms. 

Sect.   I.       T   is   the  duty  of  christians  to  praife 
X   God,  by  finging  pfalms,  or  hymns, 
publicly  in  the  church,  as  aifo  privately  in  the  fa- 
mily. 

Sect.  II.  In  finging  the  praifes  of  God,  we 
are  to  fing  with  the  fpirit,  and  with  the  under- 
ftanding  alfo  ;  making  melody,  in  our  heart,,  un- 
to the  Lord.  It  is  aifo  proper,  tftat  we  cultivate 
fome  knowledge  of  the  rules  of  mufic  ;  that  we 
may  praife  God  in  a  becoming  manner  with  our 
voices,  as  well  as  with  our  hearts. 

Sect.  III.  The  whole  congregation  fiiouhl  be 
furniihed  with   books,  and  ought    to  join  in  this 
part  of  wcrfhip.     It  is  proper  to  fing  without  par- 
celing 


l8S       tyxforyfitr  tic  tTcrJhlp  of  Get 

celingoirt  thepfalm,  line1  li  :e.  71k  pra&ic* 
</  g  the  pfalrth,  line  by  line,  was  introduces 

ii.  times  of  ignorance,  when  many  in  the  Con^re- 
gaticn  could  not  read:  fherelorc,  is  recom- 
u; tended,  that  it  be  bid  apde,  as  far  as  Corne- 
ll] nt. 

Srcr.   IV.    The  proportion,     of  the  time  of 

y  iblic  v-orftiip  to  be  i\  i.i  in  finging,  is  left  tothe 
prudence  oi  every  Minifter,  but  it  is  r   ;  end.d, 

that  more  time  L.  ...  ed  for  this  excellent pa#t 
of  f)  \  ;  rvice,  than  has  been  ufual  in  molt  of 
our  L  hurches. 


•£~W>^ 


C  II  A  P.      V. 


Of  public   Prayer. 


Sect 


'.  I.  TT  frems  very  proper  to  begin  the 
JL  public  worfhip  of  the  Sanctuary  by 
a  fhort  prayt-r :  humbly  adoring  the  irfinitc  Ma- 
jefty  oi  the  living  God.  Expreihng  a  lenfe  of  our 
diitance  from  him  as  creatures;  and  unworthintfs 
as  Tinners  :  and  humbly  imploring  his  gracious 
pielcnce;  the  aihltance  of  his  holy  Spirit  in  the 
duties  of  hi?  Worfhip  ;  and  his  acceptance  oi  us 
through  the  merits  oi  our  Laid  and  Saviour  Jeius 
C  hrift. 

Sect.  II.  Then,    after   fir  a   Pfalm,    or 

Hymn,  it  is  proper  that  before  Sermon  there  fhould 
be  a  lull,  and  coonpreherifive  prayer.  Fir/1  adonng 

the 


DlreBjry  fir  the  lF:rjh:p  cfi  GiJ.  1 89 

the  Glory  an  J   Perfe&foris  vt  G^d,    as   th?y    are 
made  known  to  us  in  the  works  oi  Creation;     in 
the  conduit  of  providence ;     and  in  the  char,  ard 
lull  revelation  he   hath    made    0'    h   nfelf  in  his 
written  word,  Scrond ,Giving  thanks  to  him   or  all 
his  mercies  of  every  kind;  geri*ral  and  particular  j 
Ipiritual   and    temporal  ;     cernmcrti    a;vi   fpecial. 
Above  all  tor  ChriJt  Jefus,  his   unfpeakible  gift: 
-and  the  hop?  o:  eternal   lite  through  him.      "loir  J, 
Making  humble  confeilion  of  fin,  both  criminal  and 
actual,  acknowledging,    and  endeavouring  to  im- 
prefs  the  mind  of  every  wdrlhfppef  with   a  deep 
ienfe  of  the  evil  oi  all  fin,   as  fuch  ;    as   b^ing  a 
departure  from  the  living  God,    and  alfo  taking  a 
particular  and  affeding  view  oi   the  various  fruits 
which  proceed    from  this    root  of  biftern^fs:   as, 
fins  againft  God,  our  neighbour,    and  ourfelves:. 
fins  in  thought,  in  word,  and  in  d^ed  :    fins  fecret 
and  prefumptuous  :  fins  accidental   and  habitual. 
Alfb,  the  aggravations  of  fin;   arifing  from  know- 
ledge,   or  the  m:ans  of  it :     from    didingniihing 
mercies  :   from  valuable  privileges  :    from   breach 
of  vows  &cc>  Fourth, Making  earned:  fuppHca&on  for 
t\\^  pardon  of  iii  ;   an  I  pjace  with  Gad,     through 
the  blood  oi  the   attonem^nt;    with  all   it's  im- 
portant and  hnppy  fruits;  for  the  fpirit  of  faftdifi- 
cation  ;    and  abundant  fupplies  of  the  Grace  that 
is  neced^iry  to  the  difcharge  of  oar  datv  ;  for  fup- 
port,  a^d  comfort,  under  all  the  trials  ro  which 
we  are  liable,  a;  we  are  fmful  and  mortal;  and  for 
a\\  temporal  mercies,   that  may  b>  neceifary  in  oar 
paiTage   through  this  valley  of  tears.     Always  re- 
iviemberins:  to  view  them  as  flowing  in  the  channel 
oi  covenant  love  :    and  intended  to  be  fubfervient 
to   the  prefervatioft  and  prcgrefs  ot    the   fpiritual 
life. Fifth,  Pleading  ho m  svfery  principle  warr  uited  in 

fc  rip- 


190        Direflory  for  the  IVctfiip  of  Gcd. 

fcripture;  from  our  own  necefTity  ;  the  all  fufficiency 
01  God  ;  the  merit  and  interceiTion  of  our  Saviour, 
and  the  Glory  of  God  in  the  comfort  and  happinefs 
ol  his  people.  Sixth,  In  tercefiion  for  others;  includ- 
ing the  whole  world  of  mankind  :  the  kingdom  of 
Chrift  ;  or  his  Church  univerfal :  the  Church,  or 
Churches,  with  which  we  are  more  particularly 
connected  :  the  intereft  of  human  fociety  in  gene- 
ral ;  and  in  that  community,  to  which  we  imrne«. 
diately  belong,  all  that  are  inverted  with  civil  au- 
thority, the  Minifters  of  the  everlafting  Gofpel ; 
*nd  the  rifing  Generation  ;  with  whatever  elfe, 
more  particular,  may  fcem  necelTary,  or  fuitable, 
to  the  intereft  of  that  Congregation  where  divine 
>vorfhip  is  celebrated. 

Sect.  III.  Prayer  after  Sermon  ought  general- 
ly to  have  a  relation,  to  the  fubjeft  that  has  been 
treated  of  in  the  difcourfe,  and  all  other  public 
prayers,  to  the  circumftances  that  gave  occafion 
for  them. 

Sect.  IV.    It  is  eafy  to  perceive  that  in  all  the 
preceding  directions  there  is  a  very  great  compafs 
and  variety.and  it  is  committed  to  the  judgment  and 
fidelity  of  the  officiating  Paftor  to  infill  chiefly  on 
Inch  parts,  or  to  take  in  more  or  lefs  of  the  feveral 
parts,  as  he  fhall  be  led  to  by  the  afpect  of  Provi- 
nce \  the  particular  ftate  of  the  Congregation  in 
which  he  officiates  ;  or  the  difpofition  and  excrcife 
£  bis  own   heart  at  the  time. — Beit  we  think  it  ne- 
fary  to  obfeive,  chat  altho'  wre  do  not  approve, 
...    o:  confining  Minifters  to  fet, 
or  lived  forms  of  prayer  fox  public  WorfLip;    yet 
it  is  the  indifpenfib.         ty  of  every  Mini  iter,    pre- 
vioufiy  10  his  entering  on  .       >ffice  to  prepare  and 

qualify 


Dlrecliry  fir  the  PF^rfhlp  of  God.         igi 

qualify  himfelf  for  this  part  of  his  duty,  as  well  as 
ior  preaching.  He  ought,  by  a  thorough  ac- 
quaintance with  the  holy  Scriptures ;  by  reading 
the  beft  writers  ou  the  fubjecV,  by  meditation; 
and  by  a  life  of  communion  with  God  in  fecret  to 
endeavour  to  acquire  both  the  fpirit  and  the  gift 
ot  prayer. — Not  only  fo,  but,  when  he  is  to  enter 
on  particular  acts  of  wcrihip,  he  fhould  endeavour 
to  compofe  his  fpirit ;  and  to  digeft  his  thoughts 
for  prayer,  that  it  may  be  performed  with  dignity 
and  propriety,  as  well  as  to  the  profit  of  thofe  who 
join  in  it  ;  and  that  he  may  not  difgrace  that  im- 
portant fervice  by  mean,  irregular,  or  extravagant 
effufions. 


CHAP.     VI. 

Of  the  Preaching  of  the  Word. 

Sect.  I.  HHHE  preaching  of  the  word  being  an 
JL  inftitution  of  God  for  the  falva- 
tion  of  men,  great  attention  fhould  be  paid  to  the 
manner  of  performing  it- — Every  Minifter  ought 
to  give  diligent  application  to  it  :  and  endeavour 
to  prove  himfelf  a  workman  thai  needeth  not  to  be 
afhamed ,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  trmh. 

Sect.  II.  The  iubjeft  of  a  fermon  fhould  be 
fome  verfe,  or  verfes  of  fcripture  ;  and  it's  objeft, 
to  explain,  defend,  and  apply  fome  part  T5f  the 
fyftem  of  divine  truth  \  or,  to  point  out  the  nature; 
and  ftate  the  bounds,  and  obligation  of  fome  duty, 

A  Text 


;c,2         DirfSiory  for  ile  Worfhlp  cf  GcJ. 

A  Text  fhoihd  not  he  merely  a  Motto  :  but  fhcuM 
fairly  contain  the  dpcTtrine  propcfed  to  be  handled. 
It  is  proper  alio  tru.t  large  pottjoris  ot  fcripture 
be  fo  me  times  expounded;  and  particularly  im- 
proved, ior  the  inn  ruction  oi  the  people  in  the 
meaning  and  ufc  oi  the  iacred  oracjes, 

Sfct.  III.  The  method  of  preaching  requires 
much  ftudy,  meditation  and  prayer. — Miniilers 
ought,  in  general,  to  prepare  their  fermors  with 
care;  and  not  to  indulge  themfelves  in  loofe,  ex- 
temporary harangues  ;  nor  to  ferve  God  with  that 
which  coll:  them  nought. — They  ought,  however, 
to  keep  to  the  fimplicity  of  the  Gbfpel  :  expreiiing 
themfelves  m  language  agreeable  to  fcripture;  and 
level  to  the  underftanding  of  the  meaneit  of  their 
hearers  :  carefully  avoiding  oftentation,  either  of 
parts  or  learning. — They  ought  alfo  to  adorn  by 
their  lives  the  doftrine  which  they  teach  ;  and  to 
be  examples  of  the  believers,  in  word,  in  conver- 
fatianj  in  charity,  in  fpirit,  in  faith,  in  puiity. 

Sect.  IV.  As  one  primary  defigft  of  public 
ordinances  is  to  pay  fecial  acts  of  homage  to  the 
mofi [high God,  Minifters  ought  to  be  careful,  not 
to  make  their  fermons  fo  long  as  to  interfere  with, 
or  exclude  the  more  important  duties  of  prayer  and 
praife;  but  preferve  a  jufl  proportion  between  the 
feverai  pajjfcs  of  public  Worihij). 

Sect.  V.  The  fermon  being  ended,  the  Ml- 
nifcer  is  to  pn-y,  and  return  thanks  to  almighty 
God,  then  let  a  Pfaim  be  fung;  a  cc  lleclion  raii.il 
far  the  poor,  or  other  purpofes  of  the  Cnurch  j 
and  the  aJembly  difuniLd  with  fcheapoftolk  bene- 

CHAP,  VIL 


Directory  for  the  JVorJhip  of  God.        193 
CHAP.     VII. 

Of  the  Admtmjiration  of  Baptlfm. 

Sect.  I.  T>  APT  IS  Vf  is  not  to  be  unneceflari- 
JD  ly  delayed  ;  nor  to  be  adminiftred, 
in  any  cafe,  by  any  private  perfon  ;  but  by  a  Mi  - 
miter  of  Chrift,  called  to  be  the  Steward  of  the 
myfteries  of  God. 

Sect.  II.  It  is  ufually  to  be  adminiftred  in 
the  Church  in  the  prefence  of  the  Congregation  ; 
and  it  is  convenient  that  it  be  performed  imme- 
diately after  fermon. 

Sect.  III.  After  previous  notice  is  given  to 
the  Minifter,  the  child  to  be  baptized  is  to  be  pre- 
fented,  by  one  or  both  the  parents ;  iigniiying 
their  delire  that  the  child  may  be  baptized. 

Sect.  IV.  Before  baptifm,  let  the  Minifter 
ufe  fome  words  of  initru£tion,  reflecting  the  in- 
ftitution,  nature,  ufe  and  ends  of  this  ordinance  : 
Shewing, 

*  That  it  is  inftituted  by  Chrift  ;  that  it  is  a  feal 

*  of  the  nghteoufnefs  of  faith  ;  that  the  feed  of  the 
1  laithful  have  no  lefs  a  right  to  this  ordinance, 
4  under  the  gofpel,  than  the  feed  ot  Abraham  to 
'  circumcifion,  under  the  Old  Teftament ;  that 
1  Chrift  commanded  all   nations  to  be  biotized; 

*  that  he  bleiled  little  children,    declaring  that  of 

*  fuch  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  that  children 
4  are  federally  holy,    and  therefore  ought  to  be 

*  baptized ;  that  we  ate,  by  nature,  finful,  guilty 
1  and  polluted,  and  have  need  of  cleanfing  by  the 

R  ■  blood 


194        Direftsry  for  the  Worjhtp  of  God. 

4  blood  of  Chrift,  and  by  the  fan&ifying  in- 
1  fluences  of  the  Spirit  of  God.' 

The  Minifter  is  alfo  to  exhort  the  parents  to 
the  careful  performance  of  their  duty :  requiring ; 

4  That  they  teach  the  child  to  reud  the  word  of 

*  God ;  that  they  inftrucl:  it  in  the  principles  of 

<  our  holy  religion,  as  contained  in  the  Scriptures 
«  of  the  old  and  new  Teftament,  an  excellent 
c  fummary  of  which  we  have  in  the  Confeflion  of 
«  faith  of  this  Church;  and  in  the  Larger  and  Short- 
'  er  Catechifms  of  the    Weftminfter   Aflembly : 

*  which   are  to    be    recommended  to  them,     as 

<  adopted  by  this  Church,  for  their  direction  and 
'  afliftance,  in  the  difcharge  oi  this  important  du- 
'  ty  ;  that  they  pray  with  and  for  it ;  that  they  fet 

*  an  example  of  piety  and  godlinefs  before  it;  and 
1  endeavour,  by  all  the  means  of  God's  appoint- 
«  ment,  to  bring  up  their  child  in  the  nurture  and 
9  admonition  of  the  Lord.' 

Sect.  V.  Then  the  Minifter  is  to  pray  for  a 
blefling  to  attend  this  ordinance,  after  which,  cal- 
ling the  child  by  it's  name,  he  fhall  fay  : 

1  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
'  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghoft.' 

As  he  pronounces  thefe  words,  he  is  to  baptize 
the  Child  with  water  ;  by  pouring  or  fprinkling 
it  on  the  face  of  the  Child,  without  adding  any 
other  ceremony :  and  the  whole  fhall  be  conclud- 
ed with  prayer. 

Although  it  is  proper,  that  baptifm  be  admi- 
niftred  in  the  pre  fence  of  the  Congregation  :  yet 
there  may  be  cafes,  when  it  will  be  expedient  to 
aduunifter  this  ordinance  in  private  houfes  ;  of 
which  the  Miniftei  is  to  be  the  Judge. 

CHAP.  VIIL 


Directory  for  the  JPorjhlp  of  Gsd.         195 
CHAP.     VIII. 
Of  the  Adminijlration  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Sect.  I.  H  PI  IE  Communion,  or  Supper  of  the 
X  Lord,  is  to  be  celebrated  f  requsnt> 
ly ;  but  how  often  may  be  determined  by  the  Mi- 
nifter  and  Elder  (hip  of  each  Congregation  ;  as  they 
may  judge  mod  for  edification. 

Sect.  II.  The  ignorant  and  fcandalous  are 
not  to  be  admitted  to  the  Lord's  fupper. 

Sect.  III.  It  is  proper  that  public  notice 
fhould  be  given  to  the  Congregation,  at  lead,  the 
fabbith  betore  the  adminiflration  of  this  ordinance; 
and  that,  either  then  or  on  fome  day  of  the  week, 
the  people  be  inftructed  in  its  nature,  and  a  due 
preparation  for  it ;  that  all  may  come  in  a  fuit- 
able  manner  to  this  holy  feaft. 

Sect,  IV.  When  the  fermon  is  ended,  the 
Miniiter  fhall  mew : 

*  That  this  is  an  ordinance  of  Chrifl,  by  read- 
ing the  words  of  inftitution,  either  from  one  oi 
the  Evangelifte,  or  from  1  C>r.  XI.  chapter; 
which,  as  to  him  may  appear  expedient,  he  may 
explain  and  apply  ;  that  it  is  to  be  obferved  in  re- 
membrance of  Chrift,  to  (hew  forth  his  death  till 
he  come  ;  that  it  is  of  ineftimable  benefit,  to 
ftrengthen  his  people  againft  fin;  to  fupport  them 
under  troubles ;  to  encourage  and  quicken  them 
in  duty ;  to  infpire  them  with  love  and  zeal ; 
to  increafe  their  faith,  and  holy  refolution  ;    and 

R  1  <  to 


196       Direftcry  for  the  Worjhip  of  Goa. 

4  to  beget  peace  of  confidence,    and  comfortable 

f  hopes  of  eternal  life. 

He  is  to  warn  the  profane,  the  ignorant,  and 
icandalous,  and  thofe  that  fecretly  indulge  them- 
felves  in  any  known  fin,  not  to  approach  the  holy 
T  ablc.On  the  other  hand,  he  (hail  invite  to  this  ho- 
ly  Table,  fuch  as,  fenfible  of  their  lcit  and  helplefs 
ftate  by  fin,  depend  upon  the  atonement  of  Chrift; 
lor  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God;  fuch  as, 
bring  inftrucied  in  the  Gofpel  do&rine,  have  a 
competent  knowledge  to  difcern  the  Lord's  body  ; 
and  iuch  a$  defire  to  renounce  their  fins,  and  arc 
uCIermined  to  lead  a  iioly  aad  godly  life. 


Sect.  V.  The  table,  on  which  the  elements 
are  placed,  being  decently  covered,  the  bread  in 
convenient  dilhes,  and  the  wine  in  cups ;  and  the 
Communicants  orderly  and  gravely  fitting  around 
the  t^ble,  (or  in  their  feats  before  it)  in  the  pre- 
fence  oi  the  Minifter  :  Let  him  fet  the  elements 
apart  by  prayer  and  thank fgiving. 

The  bread  and  wine  being  thus  fet  apart  by 
prayer  and  thankfgiving,  the  Minifter  is  to  take  the 
bread,  and  break  it,  in  the  view  of  the  people. 
Saying  in  expreilions  of  this  fort : 

•  Our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  on  the  fame  night  in 

1  which  he  was  betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and 

<blefied  and  broken  it,    gave  it  to  his   Difciples  ; 

as  I,    miniftring  in  his   name,    give  this   bread 

am  to  you  ;  faying,  (here  the  Bread  is  to  be  dif- 

tributed)  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  Body,    which  is 

•broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.' 

After  having  given  the  Bread,  he  fliall  take  the 

Cup,  and  lay: 

<  After 


Directory  for  the  Worjhip  of  God.  197 

'  After  the  fame  manner,  our  Saviour  alfo  took 
y  the  Cup  ;  and,  having  given  thanks,  as  hath 
*  been  done  in  his  name,  he  gave  it  to  the  D  fci- 
*ples;  faying,  (while  the  Minifter  is  repeating 
■  thefe  words  let  him  give  the  Cup)  This  Cup  is 
'  the  New  Teftament  in  my  blood,  which  is  fhed 
4  for  many,  for  the  remiffion  ot  fins  :  Drink  ye  all 
«ofit.' 

The  Minifter  himfelf  is  to  communicate,  at 
fuch  time  as  may  appear  to  him  moft  convenient. 

T,he  Minifter  may,  in  a  few  words,  put  the 
Communicants  in  mind  \ 

4  Of  the  grace  of  God,  in  Jefus  Chrift,  held 
f  forth  in  this  facrament ;  and  of  their  obligation 
4  to  be  the  Lord's ;  and  may  exhort  them,  to  walk 
4  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  they  are  cal- 
4  led  ;  and,  as  they  h^ve  profeffedly  received  Chrift 
4  Jefus  the  Lord,  that  they  be  careful  fo  to  walk 
'  in  him  ;  and  to  maintain  good  works.* 

It  may  not  be  improper  for  the  Minifter  to  give 
a  word  of  exhortation  alfo  to  thofe  who  have  beerv 
only  fpeftators  ,  reminding  them  : 

•  Of  their  duty  ;  dating  their  fin  and  danger,  by 
4  living  in  difobcdience  to  Chrift,  in  neglecting  this 

•  holy  ordinance  ;  and  calling  upon  them  to  be 
1  earned  in  making  preparation  for  attending 
4  upon  it,  at  the  next  time  of  its  celebration.' 

Then  the  Minifter  is  to  pray  and  give  thanks  to 
God  ; 

1  For  his  rich  mercy,    and  invaluable  goodnefs8 

*  vouchfafed  to  them  in  that  facred  communion  ; 
4  to  implore  pardon  for  the  defers  of  the  whole 
4  fervice ;  and  to  pray  for  the  acceptance  of  their 
4  perfons  and  performances;  for  the  gracious  af- 
1  fiftance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable  them,  as 
i  they  have  received  Chrift  Jefus  the  Lord,  fo  to 

'-walk 


1 98         Direfiory  of  the  Ward  of  God. 

walk  in  him  ;  that  they  may  hold  faft  that  which 

they  have  received,  that  no  man  take  their  crown ; 

that  their  converfation  may  be  as  becometh  the 

gofpel ;    that  they  may  bear  about  with  them, 

continually,  the  dying  of  the  Lord  Jefus  ;    that 

the  life  alfo  of  Jefus  may  be  manifefted  in  their 

mortal  body  ;  that  their  light  may  fo  fhine  before 

men,  that  others,  feeing  their  good  works,  may 

glorify  their  Father,  who  is  in  heaven.' 

The  collection,  tor  the  poor,  and  to  defray  the 

expence  of  the  elements,  may  be  made  after  this ; 

or  at  fuch  other  time  as  may  feem  meet  tft  the 

Elderfhip. 

Now  let  a  pfalm  or  hymn  be  fung,  and  the 
Congregation  difmiftcd,  with  the  following  or 
fome  other  gofpel  benediction : 

4  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  bought  again 
f  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jefus,  that  great  {hep- 
«  herd  of  the  fheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  ever- 
4  lafting  covenant,  make  you  perte£t  in  every  good 
•  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which 
4  is  well  pleafing  in  his  fight,  through  Jefus  Chrift  ; 
4  to  whom  be  glory  forever  and  ever.     Amen.9 

Sect.  VI.  As  k  has  been  cuftomary,  in  fome 
parts  of  our  Church,  to  obferve  a  Faft  before  the 
Lord's  Supper ;  to  have  Sermon  on  Saturday  and 
Monday  ;  and  to  invite  two  or  three  Minifters,  o* 
fuch  occafions.  And  as  thefe  feafons  have  been 
WefTed  to  many  fouls,  and  may  tend  to  keep  up  a 
Jlri&ar  union  of  Minifters  and  Congregations  ;  we 
think  it  not  improper,  that  they,  who  chufe  it, 
may  continue  in  this  pradticec 


CHAP.  IX. 


D ire 51  or y  for  the  JVorfhlp  of  God.         199 

CHAR    IX. 

Of  the  AdmiJJion  of Ptrfons  to  Sealing-Ordinances. 


Sect.  I.  /CHILDREN,  born  within  the  pale 
V>  ol  the  vifible  Church,  and  dedi- 
cated to  God  in  baptifm,  are  under  the  inflection 
and  government  of  the  Church  ;  and  are  to  be 
taught  to  read,  and  repeat  the  Catechifm,  the 
Apoflles  Creed,  and  the  Lord's  prayer.  They 
are  to  be  taught  to  pray,  to  abhor  fin,  to  fear  God, 
and  to  obey  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  And,  when 
they  come  to  years  of  difcretion,  if  they  be  free 
from  fcandal,  appear  foberand  fteady,  and  to  have 
fufficient  knowledge  to  difcera  the  Lard's  body, 
they  ought  to  be  informed,  it  is  their  duty,  and 
their  privilege,  to  come  to  the  Lord's  Supper. 


Sect.  II.  The  years  of  difcretion,  in  young 
chriftians,  cannot  be  precifely  fixed.  This  mull 
be  left  to  the  prudence  of  the  Elderfhip.  The  of- 
ficers of  the  church  are  the  Judges  of  the  qualificat- 
ions ofthofeto  be  admitted  to  fealing  ordinances; 
and  o*  the  time  when  it  is  proper  to  admit  young 
chiiitians  to  them. 


Sect.  III.  Thofe,  who  are  to  beadmkted  to 
fealing  ordinances,  fhall  be  examined,  as  to  their 
knowledge  and  piety. 


Sect.  IV.    When   unbaptized  perfons  apply 
for  adsniflion  iato  the  church,  they  ihall,  in  ordi- 
nary 


2co        Directory  for  the  IJ'orfhip  of  God. 

nary  cafes,  after  giving  fatisfaclion  with  refpecl  to 
their  knowledge  and  piety,  make  a  public  profef- 
fion  of  their  faith,  in  the  prefence  of  the  congrega- 
tion \  and  thereupon  be  baptized. 


CHAP.     X. 


Of  the  mode  of  injb  cling  Church  Cenfures. 

Sect.  I.  ^HHE  power,  which  Chrift  hath  given 
JL  the  Rulers  of  his  church,  is  for  c- 
dificc  tion,  and  not  for  deftruclion.  As,  in  the 
preaching  of  the  word,  the  vricked  are,  doSrinal- 
ly,  feparated  from  the  good;  fo,  by  difcipline, 
tke  church  authoritatively  makes  a  diftin&ion  be- 
tween the  holy  and  the  profane.  In  this  lhe  a£ts 
the  part  of  a  tender  mother;  correcting  her  chil- 
dren only  for  their  good  that  every  one  of  them 
may  be  prefented  faultlefs,  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jefus. 

Sect.  II.  When  any  Member  of  fhe  church 
{hall  have  been  guilty  of  a  fault,  deferving  cenfure, 
the  judicatory  lhall  proceed  with  all  tendernels, 
and  rcftore  their  offending  brother  in  the  fpirit  of 
mecknefs ;  confidering  thcmfelves,  left  they  alfo 
fee  tempted.  Cenfure  ought  to  be  inflicted  with 
great  folemnity  j  that  it  may  be  the  means  of  im~ 

prefhng 


DireRoryfor  tht  Worjhtp  of  God.     "        201 

pfeuiiit  \h$  mind  of  the  delinquent  with  a  proper 
fenfe  of  his  danger,  VriiUe  hettands  excluded  from 
the  privileges  of  the  church  of  the  living  God  i 
and  that,  with  the  divine  bleifing,  it  may  lead  hlin 
to  repentance. 

Sect.  III.  When  the  Judicatory  has  refolved 
to  pafs  fentence,  fufpending  a  Member  from 
church  privileges,  the  Moderator  fliall  addreis 
him,  to  the  following  purpofe : 

■  Whereas  you  are  guilty  [by  your  own  confef- 

•  fion,  or  convicted  by  furficient  proof  as  the  cafe 
4  may  be],  of  the  fin  of  [here  mention  the  particu- 

•  lar  offence  J  we  declare  you  fufpended  from  the 
4  facraments  of  the  church  ;  till  you  give  fatisfac- 

•  tory  evidence  of  the  fincerity  of  your  repent- 
4  ance.' — To  this  ihall  be  added  fuch  advice,  ad- 
monition, or  rebuke  as  may  be  judged  necefTary; 
and  the  whole  lhall  be  concluded  by  prayer  to  al- 
mighty God  that  he  would  follow  this  act  of  disci- 
pline with  his  bleffing.  We  judje  it  prudent  ia 
general  that  fuch  cenfures  be  inflicted  in  the  pre- 
fence  of  the  Judicatory  only  :  but,  if  any  church  think 
it  expedient  to  rebuke  the  offender  publicly,  this 
folemn  fufpenfion  from  the  facraments,  may  be  in 
the  pre  fence  of  the   congregation. 

Sect.  IV.  After  any  per  fon  hath  been  thus  fuf- 
pended from  the  facraments,  it  is  proper  that  the 
Minister  and  Elders  and  other  Chriftians  fhould 
frequently  converfe  with  him,  as  well  as  pray  for 
him  in  private,  that  it  would  pleafe  God  to  give 
him  repentance.  And  it  may  be  rcquifite  like- 
wife,  particularly  on  days  preparatory  to  the  dif - 
penfing  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  that  the  prayers  of 
tfee  church  be  offered  up,  for  thofe  unhappy  per- 

fons, 


202  DireEloryfor  the  JVorjhip  of  God. 

fons,  who  by   their  wickednefs,  have  (hut  them- 
felves  out  from  this  holy  communion. 

Sect.  V.  When  the  Judicatory  fhall  be  fatis- 
fied,  as  to  the  reality  of  the  repentance  of  any  of- 
fender, he  (hall  be  admitted  to  profefs  his  repent- 
ance ;  and  be  reflored  to  the  privileges  ot  the 
church.  Which  reftoration  fhall  be  declared  to 
the  penitent  in  the  prefence  of  tiie  feflion,  or  of 
the  congregation,  and  followed  with  prayer  and 
thankfgiving. 

Sect.  VL  When  any  offender  has  been,  with 
the  advice  of  the  Prefbytery,  (as  directed  in  the 
form  of  government  &c.)  adjudged  to  be  cut  off 
from  the  communion  of  the  church,  it  is  proper 
that  the  fentence  be  publicly  pronounced  againit 
him. 

Sect.  VII.  The  defign  of  excommunication 
is,  to  operate  upon  the  offender  as  a  mean  of  re- 
claiming him;  to  deliver  in*  church  trom  the 
fcandal  of  his  offence,  and  to  infpire  all  with  fear 
by  the  example  of  his  punifhment. 

The  Minifter  ihali,  at  leait,  two  Lord's  days 
before  the  excommunication,  give  the  congrega- 
tion a  fhort  narrative  of  the  feveral  ftcps  which 
have  been  taken  with  refpeft  to  their  offending 
brother;  and  inform  them,  that  it  has  been  found 
neceffary  to  cut  him  ©fffrom  their  communion. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  that  purpofe,  the  Mi- 
nifler, after  fermon  is  ended,  ihali,  in  the  prefence 
of  the  congregation,    pronounce  this  fentence   in 


the  following  or  like  form  : 


He 


Direftory  for  the  Worjhip  of  God.  203 

He  (hall  begin  by  fhewing  the  authority  of  the 
church  to  caft  out  unworthy  Members,  from  Mat. 
XV1IL  15,  16,  17,  18;  1  Cor.  V.  1,  2,  3, 
4,  5  ;  and  fhall  briefly  explain  the  nature,  ufe, 
and  confequencts  of  this  cenfure  ;  warning  the 
people,  to  avoid  all  unneceflary  intercourfe  with 
him  who  is  caft  out. 

Then  he  fhall  fay : 

•  Whereas  A.  B.  hath  been,  by  fufficient 
'  proof,  convicted  of  [here  infert  the  fin,]  and  af- 
1  ter  much  admonition  and  prayer,  obftinately  r<a- 
'  fufeth  to  hear  the  church,  and  hath  manifefted 

*  no  evidence  of  repentance :  Therefore,  in   the 

*  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Lord  Jefus 
1  Chrift,  I  pronounce  him  to  be  excluded  from  the 
1  communion  of  the  church.' 

After  which  prayer  (hall  be  made  that  the  blef- 
fing  of  God  may  follow  his  ordinance  for  the  con- 
viction and  reformation  of  the  excommunicated 
perfon,  and  for  the  cftablifhment  of  all  true  be- 
lievers. 

Sect.   VIII.  When  one   who  hath  been   ex- 
communicated fhall  be  fo  affected  with  his  ftate  as 
to  be  brought  to  repentance,  and  to  defire  to  be  re- 
admitted to  the  privileges   of  the  church ;  the  fef- 
fion,  having  obtained  fufficient  evidence  of  his  fin- 
cere  penitence,  fhall  with  the   advice  and  concur- 
rence of  the  Prefbytery,   re  ft  ore  him.     In  order  to 
which,    the  Mii:ifter,    ill  ill   on  two   Lord's  days 
previous   thereto,  inform    the  congregation  of  the 
mtafures  which  have  been  taken  with  the  excom- 
municated perfon,  and  of  the  rcfolution  of  the  fef- 
fion  to  receive  him  again  to  the  communion  of  the 
church. 

On 


204  Directory  for  the  Worfhlp  of God \ 

On  the  day  appointed  for  his  reftoration,  when 
the  other  parts  of  divine  fervice  are  ended,  before 
pronouncing  the  bleifing,  the  Minifler  fhall  call 
upon  the  excommunicated  perfon,  and  propofe  to 
him,  in  the  prefence  of  the  Congregation,  the  fol- 
lowing queftions : 

'  Do   you,    from  a   deep  fenfe  of  your  great 

*  wickednefs,  freely  confefs  your  fin,  in  thus  re- 
'  belling  againft  God;  and  in  refufing  to  hear  his 
4  church  ;  and  do  you  acknowledge  that  you  have 

*  been,  in  juftice  and  mercy,  cut  off  irom  the 
4  communion  of  the  faints  ?  Anfwer>  I  do.     Do 

*  you  now  voluntarily  profefs  your  fincere  repent- 

*  ance,  and  deep  contrition,  for  your  fin  and  obfti- 
'  nacy;  and  do  you  humbly  aik  the  forgivenefs  of 
4  God  and  of  his  church  ?  Anjwer^  I  do,  Do  you 
'  fincerely  promife,  through  divine  grace,    to  live 

*  in  all   humblenefs  of  mind  and  circumfpe&ion ; 

*  and    to  endeavour  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God 

*  our  Saviour,  by  having  v our  conversion  as  be- 
4  cometh  the  gofpel  ?   Anjwer,  I  do  * 

Here  the  Mimlter  fhall  give  the  penitent  a  Rata- 
ble exhortation ;  addrefUng  him  in  the  bowels  of 
brotherly  love,  encouraging  and  comforting  him. 
Then  he  fhall  pronounce  the  fuitence  of  reitora- 
ticn,  in  the  following  words : 

4  Whereas  y<  u,  A.  B.   have  been  fhut  out  from 

*  the  communion  of  the  Faithful,  but  have  now 
1  manifefted  fuch  repentance  as  fatisfies  the  Church; 

*  In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrilt  and  by  his 
4  authority,  I  declare  you  abfohed.  ^rom  the  fen- 
4  tence  of  excoh^rr  unkaaon  fornery  denounced 
4  againft  you  ;  and  I  do  receive  \<  u  into  the  ccm- 

*  munion   of   the  Church,      rhat    you    ma)    he  a 

*  partaker  of  all  the  benefits  o*  the  Lord  Jefus  to 
4  your  eternal  falvation.' 

The 


Direttoryfor  the  Worjhip  of  God.  205 

The  whole  fhall  be  concluded  with  prayer,  and 
the  people  difmiifed  with  the  ufual  blefling. 


CHAP.     XL 

Of  the  Solemnization  of  Marriage. 


* 


Sect.  I.  A  /TARRIAGE  is  not  a  facrament; 
xVJL  nor  peculiar  to  the  Church  of 
Chrift.  It  is  proper  that  every  Commonwealth, 
for  the  good  ot  fociety,  make  laws  to  regulate 
Marriage ;  which  all  Citizens  are  bound  to  obey. 

Sect.  II.  Chriftians  ought  to  marry  in  the 
Lord;  therefore  it  is  fit,  that  their  marriage  be 
folemnized  by  a  lawful  Minifter  ;  that  fpecial  in- 
ftruftion  may  be  given  them,  and  fuitable  prayer* 
made,  when  they  enter  into  this  relation. 

Sect.  III.  Marriage  is  to  be  between  one  man 
and  one  woman  only:  and  they  are  not  to  be 
within  the  degrees  of  confanguinity  or  affinity  pro- 
hibited by  the  word  of  God, 

Sect.  IV.  The  parties  ought  to  be  of  fbch 
years  ot  difcrttion  as  to  be  capable  of  making  their 
own  choice;  and  if  they  be  under  age,  or  live 
with  their  parents,  the  confent  of  the  parents,  or 
others  under  whofe  care  they  ^re,  ought  to  bepre- 
vioufly  obtained  ;  and  well  certified  to  the  Minuter, 
before  he  proceeds  to  folemnize  the  marriage. 

S  Sect.  Vf 


2c6         Direfiery  for  the  IForfhlp  if  God. 

Sect.  V.  Parents  ought  neither  to  compel  their 
children  to  marry  contrary  to  their  own  inclina- 
tions ;  nor  deny  their  confent  without  juft  and  im- 
portant reafons. 

Sect.  VI.  Marriage  is  of  a  public  nature.  The 
welfare  of  civil  fociety,  the  happinefs  of  families, 
and  the  credit  of  religion  are  deeply  interefted  in  it. 
Therefore  the  purpofe  of  marriage  ought  to  be 
fuffciently  published  a  proper  time,  previoufly  to 
the  lolemnizaticn  of  it.  It  is  enjeined  on  all  Mi- 
nifters  to  be  cartful  that,  in  this  matter,  they 
neither  trarfgrefs  the  laws  of  God,  nor  the  laws  of 
the  community  :  And  that  they  may  not  deftroy 
the  peace  and  comfort  ot  families,  they  muft  be 
properly  certified,  with  refpect  to  the  parties  ap- 
plying to  them,  that  no  juft  objections  lie  againft 
their  marriage. 

Sect.  VII.  Marriage  muft  always  be  perform- 
ed be.  ore  a  competent  number  of  witnefies ;  and 
at  any  tim*3,  except  on  a  day  of  public  humiliation. 
And  we  dvife  that  it  be  not  on  the  Lord's  day. 
And  the  Minifter  is  to  give  a  certificate  of  the  mar- 
riage, when  required. 

Sect.  VIII.  When  the  prrties  prefent  them- 
felves  for  marriage,  the  Minifter  is  to  defire,  if 
there  h  ai  y  jcrfc  n  prefent  who  knows  any  lawful 
rrafon  why  thtfe  perfons  may  not  be  joined  to- 
gether in  the  marriage  relation,  thatthey  will  now 
make  it  known,  or  cvtr  after  hold  their  peace. 

No  objections  being  made,  he  is  then  fevefally 
to  addrefs  himfelf  to  the  parties  to  be  manied,  in 
the  following  or  like  words  : 

'You, 


DlreSfory  for  the  Worjhlp  of  God.  2 07 

■  You,  the  man,    declare,    in  the  prefence  of 

*  G:>d,    that  you  do  not  know  any  reafon,  by  pre- 

*  contract  or  other  wife,  why  you  may  not  lawful- 
1  ly  marry  this  woman.' 

Upon  his  declaring  he  does  not,  the  Minifter 
fhall  addrefs  himfclf  to  the  Bride,  in  the  fame  or 
fimilar  terms  : 

1  You,  the  woman,  declare,  in  the  prefence  of 
€  God,  that  you  do  not  know  any  reafon,  by  pre- 
!  contra£t  or  otherwife,  why  you  may  not  lawful* 
I  *  ly  marry  this  man.' 

Upon  her  declaring  fhe  does  not,  he  is  to  begin 
with  prayer  for  the  prefence  and  bleiling  of  God. 

The  Minifter  fhall  then  proceed  to  give  them 
fome  instruction,  from  the  Scriptures,  refpefting 
the  institution  and  duties  of  this  itate,  fheving  ; 

•  That  God  hath  inftituted  marriage  for  the  com- 
1  fort   and  happinefs  of  mankind,    in   declaring  a 

*  man   fhall  forfake    his  father   and   mother    and 

*  cleave  unto  his  wife ;  and  that  marriage  is  ho- 
\  nourable  in  all ;     that  he  hath  appointed  various 

*  duties,    which  are  incumbent    upon   thofe  who 

■  enter  into  this  relation;   fuch  as,    a  high  efteeai 

*  and  mutual  love  for  one  another;  bearing  with 
€  each  other's  infirmities  and  weakneiTes,  to  which 

*  human  n  iture  is  fubject  in  its  prefent  lapfed  ftate  ; 
4  to  encourage  each  other  under  the  various  ills  ot 
4  life  ;  to  comfort  one  another  in  iicknefs  ;  in  ho- 

*  nefty  and  industry  to  provide  for  each  others  tem- 
1  poral  fupport ;  to  pray  for  and  encourage  one 
«  another,  in  the  things  which  pertain  to  God,  and 

■  to  their  immortal  fouls ;  and  to  live  together  as 
1  the  heirs  of  the  grace  of  life/ 

Then  the  Miniiter  fhall  caufe  the  bridegroom 
and  bride  to  join  their  right  hands,    and  fhailpio- 

S  2  uounce 


2o8  Dinflory  fur  the  Wcrjhip  of  Gcd. 

nounce  the  marriage  covenant,  firft  to  the  man,  in 
thefe  words  : 

*  You,  take  this  woman,  whom  you  hold  by 
'  the  hand,  to  be  your  lawful  and  married  wife  ; 
4  and  you  promife,  and  covenant,  in  the  prefence 
4  of  God  and  thefe  witneffes,  that  you  will  be  unto 

*  her  a  loving  and  faithful  hufband,  until  you  fhall 
'  be  feparated  by  death.' 

The  Bridegroom  fhall  exprefs  his  confent,  by 
faying,  'Yes  I  do.' 

Then  the  Mtuifter  fhall  addrefs  himfelf  to  the 
woman  in  thefe  words : 

4  You,  take  this  man,  whom  you  hold  by  the 
'  hand,  to  be  your  lawful  and  married  hufband ; 
6  and  you  promife,  and  covenant,  in  the  prefence 
4  of  God  and  thefe  witness,  that  you  will  be  un- 
1  to  him  a  loving,  faithful,  and  ob.dient  wile,  un- 

*  til  you  ihall  be  feparated  by  death.* 

The  Biide  fhall  exprefs  her  confent,  bv  faying, 
Yes,  I  do.' 

Then  the  Minifter  is  to  fay: 
1  I  pronounce  )ov9  Hufband  and  Wife,  accord- 
1  ing  to  the  ordinance  of  God  ;    whom  therefore 

*  God  hath  joined  together,    let  not  man  put  a- 

*  funder.' 

After  this  the  Minifter  mav  exhort  them,  in  a 
few  words,  to  the  mutual  difcharge  of  their  duty. 

Then  let  him  conclude  with  a  pn.yer  fuitableto 
the  occafion. 

Let  the  Minifter  keep  a  proper  rcgifter,  of  the 
names  of  all  perfons  whom  he  marries,  and  of  the 
time  of  their  marriage,  for  the  perufal  ol  all  whom 
it  may  concern. 


CHAP.  XII. 


Dtr$3oryfsr  the  Worfop  of  Gcd.  209 

CHAP,    XII. 

Of  the  Vlfitathn  of  the  Sleh 

Sect.  I.  TI  THEN  perfons  are  fick,  it  is  their 
V  V  duty,  before  their  ftrength  and 
underftandingfail  them,  to  fend  for  their  Minifter; 
and  to  make  known  to  him,  with  prudence,  their 
fpiritual  ftate ;  or  to  confult  him  on  the  concerns 
of  their  precious  fouls :  And  it  is  his  duty  to  vifit 
them,  at  their  requeft,  and  to  apply  himfelf,  with 
all  tendernefs  and  love,  to  admiflifter  fpiritual 
good  to  their  immortal  fouls. 

Sect,  II.  He  (hall  inftrud  the  fick,  out  of  the 
Scriptures,  that  difeafes  arife  not  out  of  the  ground, 
nor  do  they  come  by  chance ;  but  that  they  are 
-directed  and  fent  by  a  wife  and  holy  God,  either 
for  corre&ion  of  fin,  for  the  trial  of  grace,  for  im- 
provement in  religion,  or  for  other  important 
ends :  and  that  they  lhall  work  together  tor  good 
to  all  thofe  who  make  a  wife  improvement  of 
God's  vifitation,  neither  defpifing  his  chaftening 
hand,  nor  fainting  under  his  rebukes. 

Sect.  III.IftheMinifter  findsthe  fickperfon  to 
be  grcfly  ignorant,  he  (hall  inftrudt  him,  in  the  na- 
ture of  repentance  and  \  aith,  and  the  way  of  accept- 
ance with  God,  through  the  mediation  and  atone* 
ment  of  Jefus  Chrift. 

Sect.  IV.  He  (hall  exhort  the  fick  to  examine 
himfelf;  to  fearch  his  heart,  and  try  his  former 
ways,  by  the  word  of  God  \  and  (hall  aifift  him,  by 
mentioning  fome  of  the  obvious  marks  and  evi- 
dences of iinccre  piety. 

S  3  Sect.  V 


2io  Directory  for  the  fVorJhip  of  God. 

Sect.  V.  If  the  fick  fhall  fignify  any  fcruplc, 
doubt  or  temptation,  under  which  he  labours,  the 
Minifter,  muft  endeavour  tc  refolve  his  doubts; 
and  adminifter  inftru&ion  and  direction,  as  the 
cafe  may  feem  to  require. 

Sect.  VI.  If  the  fick  appear  to  be  aftupid, 
thoughtlefs  and  hardened  iinner,  he  fhall  endea- 
vor to  awaken  his  mind  ;  to  aroufe  his  confci- 
erice;  to  convince  him  of  the  evil  and  danger  of 
fin  ;  of  the  curfe  of  the  law,  and  the  wrath  of 
God  due  to  finners  ;  to  bring  him  to  a  humble 
and  penitential  fenfe  of  his  iniquities  ;  and  to  ftate 
before  him  the  fulnefs  of  th«  grace  and  mercy  of 
God,  in  and  through  the  glorious  Redeemer  ;  the 
Sibfolute  neceflity  of  faith  and  repentance,  in 
order  to  his  being  interefted  in  the  iavour  of  God  ; 
or  his  obtaining  evcrlaftinj  happinefs. 

Sect.  VII.  If  the  fick  perfon  fhall  appear  to 
have  knowledge  ;  to  be  of  a  tender  confcience, 
and  to  have  been  endeavouring  to  ferve  God  in 
uprightnefs,  though  not  without  many  failings 
and  finful  infirmities  ;  or  if  his  fpirit  be  broken 
with  a  fenfe  of  fin,  or  through  apprehenfionsof  the 
want  of  the  divine  favour;  then  it  will  be  proper 
to  adminifter  confolation  and  encouragement  to 
him,  by  fetting  before  him  the  freenefs  and  riches 
of  the  grace  of  God:  the  all-fufficiency  of  the 
righteoufnefs  of  Chrift  ;  and  the  fupporting  pro- 
mifesofthe  gofpel. 

Sect.  VIII.  The  Minifter  muft  endeavour  to 
guard  the  fick  perfon  againft  ill-grounded  perfua- 
fionsofthe  mercy  of  God,  without  a  vital  union 
to  Chrift  j  and  againft  unreafonable  fears  of  death 

and 


DireSfory  for  the  IForJhip  ef  God.         211 

and  defponding  difcouragements  ;  againft  pre- 
fumption  upon  his  own  goodnefs  and  merit,  upon 
the  one  hand  ;  and  ar;ainft  defpair  of  the  mercy 
and  grace  of  God  in  Chrift  Jcfus,  on  the  other. 

Sect.  IX.  In  one  word,  it  is  the  Minifter's 
duty  to  a-iminifter  to  the  fick  perfon  inflruction, 
conviction,  fupport,  confolation  or  encourage- 
ment, as  his  cafe  may  feem  to  require. 

At  a  proper  time,  when  he  is  moil  compofed, 
the  Minifter,  fliall  pray  with  and  for  him. 

Sect.  X.  Laftly,  the  Minifter  may  improve 
the  prefent  occafion  to  exhort  thofe  about  the  fick, 
to  confider  their  mortality ;  to  turn  to  the  Lord 
and  make  their  peace  with  him  ;  in  health  to  pre- 
pare  forficknefs,  death  and  judgment. 


CHAP.     XIII. 

Of  the  Burial  of  the  Dead. 

Sect.  I.  T  X  THEN  any  perfon  departs   this 
V  V     life,    let   the  corpfe  be  taken 
care  of  in  a  decent  manner;  and  be  kept  a  proper 
and  fufficient  time  before  interment. 

Sect.  II.  When  the  feafon  for  the  funeral 
comes,  let  the  dead  body  be  decently  attended  to 
the  grave,  and  interred.  During  fuch  folemn  occa- 
fions,  let  all  who  attend,  conduct  themfelves  with 
becoming  gravity  ;  and  aDply  themfelves  to  feri- 
©us  meditation  or  difcourfe  ;  and  the  Minifter,  if 

prefent. 


212        Direfiory  for  the  JVorflAp  of  God. 

prefent,  may  exhort  them  to  confider  the  frailty  of 
fife;  and  the  importance  of  being  prepared  for 
cLath  and  eternity. 


Pr^£>7&^^^T>7;^*^^^yy  r^^T^^ 


CHAP.    XIV. 

Of  Fafilng   and  0/  the  obfervation  of  the  dap   of 

Tbankfgivinp* 

Slct.  I.  *"    "HERE  is  no  day  under  the  Gofpel 
X     commanded  to  be  kept  h<>lvf  ex- 
cept the  Lord's  day,  which  is  the  chriitian  fabbuth. 

Sect.  II.  Neverthelefs  to  obferve  days  of  fad- 
ing and  thankfgiving,  as  the  extraordinary  difpen- 
fations  of  divine  providence  may  direct,  we  judge 
both  fcriptural  and  rational, 

Sect.  III.  Farts  and  thankfgivings  may  be 
obferved  by  individual  chriftians  \  or  families,  in 
private  ;  by  particular  congregations  ;  by  a  num- 
ber ot  congregations  contiguous  to  each  other;  by 
the  congregations  under  the  care  of  a  Prefbytery, 
or  of  a  Synod  \  or  by  all  the  congregations  of  our 
church. 

Sect.  IV.  It  muft  be  left  to  the  judgment  ard 
difcretion  of  every  chrifti  .n  and  family  to  deter- 
mine, when  it  is  proper  tooblervea  private  foft  or 
thankfgiving;  and  to  the  church- feflion  to  deter- 
mine lor  paiticular  congregations;  and  tu  the 
Pxcfbyteries  or  Synods  to  determine  for  larger  dif- 

tricls. 


Directory  for  the  Worjhtp  9/ God.        21 3 

trials.  When  it  is  deemed  expedient  that  a  faft  or 
thankfgiving  mould  be  general,  the  call  for  them 
mult  bejudged  of  by  the  Synod  or  General  Aifem- 
bly.  And  it  at  any  time  the  civil  power  ihould 
think  it  proper  to  appoint  a  fait  or  thankfgiving, 
it  is  the  duty  of  the  Mmifters  and  people  of  our 
communion,  as  we  live  under  a  chriitian  govern- 
ment, to  pay  all  due  refpedt  to  the  fame. 

Sect.  V.  Public  notice  is  to  be  given  a  conve- 
nient  time  before  the  day  of  fatting  or  thankfgiving 
comes,  that  perfons  may  fo  order  their  temporal 
affairs,  that  they  may  properly  attend  to  the  duties 
thereof. 

Sect.  VI.  There  mail  be  public  worfhip  upon 
all  fuch  days  ;  and  let  the  prayers,  pfalms,  por- 
tions of  fcripture  to  be  renJ,  and  fermons,  be  all, 
in  a  fpecial  manner  adapted  to  the  occaiion. 

Sect.  VII.  Oi  fat  days,  let  the  Minuter 
p  upt  oiit  the  authority  aid  providences  calling  to 
trie  obfervation  thrre  >fj  an  J  let  him  fpend  a  more 
than  ufual  portion  oi  time  in  folemn  prayer,  par- 
ticular confeffion  of  lirt,  efpeualty  or  the  fins  of  the 
day  and  pi  ;ce,  with  their  aggravations,  which 
hive  brougn  clo.vn  the  judgments  of  heaven. 
And  let  the  whole  day  be  fpent  in  deep  humiliation 
and  mourning  before  God. 

S^ct.  VIII.  On  days  of  thankfgiving,  he  is 
to  give  the  like  information,  refpedting  the  au- 
thority and  providences  which  call  to  the  obferv- 
ance  of  them  ;  and  to  fpend  a  more  than  ufual 
part  of  the  time  in  the  giving  of  thanks,  agreeably 
to  theoecafion,  and  in  iinging  pfalms  or  hymns  of 
praife.  It 


2X4         DireSt ory  of  the  Word  of  Ged. 

It  is  the  duty  of  people,  on  thefe  days,  to  re- 
joice with  holy  gladnefs  of  heart  ;  but  let  tremb- 
ling be  fo  joined  with  our  mirth,  that  no  exccfs, 
or  unbecoming  levity  be  indulged. 


CHAP.     XV. 

The  Dire  fiery  for  Secret  and  Family  PVorjhip* 

Sect.  I.  T>ESIDES  the  public  worfhip  m 
JLJ  congregations,  it  is  the  indifpenf- 
kble  duty  of  each  perfon  alone,  in  fecret  ;  and  of 
every  family  by  itfelf  in  private  ;  to  pray  to  and 
worihip  God. 

Sect*  II.  Secret  worfhip  is  mod  plainly  en- 
joined b}^ our  Lord.  In.  this  duty  every  que*  a- 
part  by  hitrifejT,  is  to  fpend  forhe  time  in  prayer, 
reading  the  fcriptures,  holv  meditation,  and  feri- 
ous  felt  examination.  The  many  advantages,  a- 
rifing  from  a  confeientious  difcharge  of  thefe  du- 
ties, are  heft  known  to  thofe  who  are  found  in 
the  faithful  difcharge  of  them- 

Sect.  III.  Family  worfhip,  which  ought  to 
be  performed  by  every  family,  ordinarily  morn- 
ing and  evening,  con  lifts  in  prayer,  reading  the 
fcriptures,  and  finging  praifes. 

Sect.  IV.  The  head  of  the  family,  who  is  to 
lead  in  this  fervice,  ought  to  be  careful  that  all 
the  members  ol  his  houfhold  duly  attend;  and 
that  none  withdraw  themfelves  unntceilarily  from 

any 


DlreBory  for  the  JVorjhip  of  God*         21 5 

any  part  of  family  worfhip ;  and  that  all  refrain 
from  their  common  bufinefs,  while  the  fcriptures 
&*e  read,  and  gravely  attend  to  the  fame,  no  lefs 
than  when  prayer  or  praife  is  offered  up. 

Sect.  V.  Let  heads  of  families  be  careful  to 
inftruct  their  children  and  fervants  in  the  princi- 
ples of  religion. —  Every  proper  opportunity 
ought  to  be  embraced  for  fuch  inftru£Uon.  But 
we  are  of  opinion  that  the  fabbath  evenings  after 
public  worfhip,  lhould  be  facredly  preferved  for 
this  pcrpofe.  Therefore  we  highly  difapprove 
of  paying  unneceffary  private  viCts  on  the  Lords 
day;  admitting  ftrangers  into  the  families,  except 
when  neceility  or  charity  requires  it  ;  or  any 
other  practices,  whatever  plaufible  pretences  may 
be  offered  in  their  favour,  if  they  interfere  with 
the  above  important  and  neceifary  duty. 

FINIS. 


V 


J 


v< 


E3IB       K9| 


99 


an  !y 

nyo     w 

B2r  C* 


1  II8i 


.*»f 


MM 


Ik 


